Who are considered 'old dependents' in a population?

'Old dependents' are individuals over the age of 65. This classification is commonly used in demographic studies to identify segments of the population that may be dependent on the working-age population for economic support and care. As people age, they typically retire from the workforce, leading to their reliance on pensions, healthcare, and other social services.

This age group is often contrasted with younger dependents, which typically include children under 15 years, as well as the working-age population, who are typically those aged 15 to 64 years and are expected to contribute economically. Understanding the distribution of 'old dependents' in a population is essential for planning in areas such as healthcare, social services, and retirement systems, as an increasing 'old dependent' ratio can indicate greater demand for these resources.