Question

what are the effects of high dependency ratios? check all that apply.
□ poverty rates begin to climb.
□ education costs begin to fall.
□ there is a greater chance for labor shortages.
□ the unemployment rate continues to increase.
□ the unemployment rate continues to decrease.
□ the cost of supporting senior citizens begins to rise.

Explanation:

A high dependency ratio means a large share of the population is non-working (children or elderly) relative to the working-age population.

• Fewer workers support more dependents, straining household and government resources, leading to higher poverty.
• A smaller working-age pool raises risk of labor shortages.
• More elderly dependents increase costs for pensions, healthcare, and senior support.
• Education costs rise with more child dependents, not fall. Unemployment is not directly tied to dependency ratios; a high ratio does not inherently raise or lower unemployment.

Answer:

• Poverty rates begin to climb.
• There is a greater chance for labor shortages.
• The cost of supporting senior citizens begins to rise.