Question 1

Q: The major contributor to the demographic burden is

Increased old age dependency ratio. ***Increased old age dependency ratio*** - An **increased old-age dependency ratio** indicates a larger proportion of older, non-working individuals relative to the working-age population. - This demographic shift places a significant **economic and social burden** on the working population and social welfare systems due to increased healthcare and pension costs. *Decreased old age dependency ratio* - A **decreased old-age dependency ratio** would imply a smaller proportion of elderly dependents, which would actually reduce the demographic burden, making it an unlikely correct answer. - This scenario would generally be considered economically favorable as it suggests more working-age individuals supporting fewer retirees. *Decreased young age dependency ratio* - A **decreased young-age dependency ratio** means fewer children are dependent on the working-age population, which generally lessens the demographic burden. - While it has its own long-term implications (e.g., future workforce shortages), in the immediate sense, it does not contribute to an increased demographic burden. *Increased young age dependency ratio* - An **increased young-age dependency ratio** does contribute to a demographic burden, as more children need support from the working-age population. - However, in many developed and transitioning countries, the **old-age dependency ratio** is emerging as the major or growing contributor to the overall demographic burden due to increasing life expectancy and declining birth rates. [Practice more Community Medicine PYQs on OnCourse]

Question

The major contributor to the demographic burden is

Accepted Answer

Increased old age dependency ratio

Answer

Decreased old age dependency ratio

Answer

Decreased young age dependency ratio

Answer

Increased young age dependency ratio

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