The world’s demographic situation is changing rapidly, and for the first time in human history, the number of people aged 65 and over has surpassed the number of children under 5. This trend is especially noticeable in Europe and East Asia, in countries such as Japan, South Korea, and China. The population is also ageing rapidly in Latin America and Southeast Asia.
Africa, however, stands out from other regions with its high birth rate and young population. This change is not accidental. Over the past few centuries, technological, medical, and economic developments in human society have led to people living longer and having fewer children.
At first glance, it may seem paradoxical that the number of older people in the world is outnumbering the number of children. According to statistics, never in human history have people lived as long as they do today, and the probability of children surviving has never been higher. However, these developments have become one of the reasons why people are having fewer children.
In the past, high infant mortality forced families to have more children. Due to diseases, hunger, malnutrition, and poor medical care, a significant number of children did not reach adulthood. Therefore, a large family was, in a sense, a biological and social security mechanism.
Today, the situation is completely different. As a result of the development of healthcare, nutrition, hygiene and technology, the probability of children surviving has increased dramatically. Parents no longer need to have as many children as before.
Research shows that at the same time, the economic cost of raising a child in modern society has also increased significantly. For example, if 100 years ago a child could start working as an apprentice to a master at a relatively early age, today a person needs to study for many years to build a good career. University, additional courses, foreign language, vocational training and other skills increase the investment in a child.
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