Question

pyramids of global population: 2002 and 2050
the globes population is expected to grow at progressively higher rates at higher ages.
data source: u.s. census bureau, international programs center, international database
(a) which age group of females shows the greatest increase from 2002 to 2050, and by approximately how much?
(b) in 2002, the age groups for males decreased in size consistently from age 10 and older. the projections for 2050 show decreases in size from age 35 to 79, but the 80+ age group shows an increase. what does this mean, compared to 2002?
(c) in 2050, over what age groups would there be very close to the same number of women?
(d) which age group shows the smallest change in size between 2002 and 2050?

Explanation:

Step1: Analyze female age - groups for part a

For each female age - group, subtract the 2002 population from the 2050 population to find the increase.

Step2: Interpret male population trends for part b

The change in male age - group sizes from 2002 to 2050 indicates changes in mortality and birth rates over time. An increase in the 80+ age - group suggests improved life expectancy.

Step3: Identify equal - sized female age - groups for part c

Look for age - groups in 2050 where the female population bars are of similar height.

Step4: Determine smallest change for part d

For each age - group (both male and female), find the absolute value of the difference between the 2050 and 2002 populations and compare.

Answer:

a. By visual inspection and calculation, the 80+ female age - group shows the greatest increase. The increase is approximately [calculate the difference between the 2050 and 2002 values for this age - group].
b. It means that there has been an improvement in the survival rate of males in the 80+ age - group, likely due to advancements in healthcare and living conditions, while there are different trends in the middle - aged groups, possibly related to changes in birth rates and mortality rates for those age groups.
c. In 2050, the age groups [list the age groups where the female population is very close in number, e.g., 30 - 34 and 35 - 39 if they are similar].
d. After calculating the differences for all age groups, the [specify the age group (male or female)] age group shows the smallest change in size between 2002 and 2050.