World Population Incrasingly Ageing  

The population in the richest countries of the world ages increasingly, putting at risk the life style of these societies, according to a report published on Wednesday in the US.

The study of the Population Reference Bureau (PRB) said that in 1950 there were 12 people working for every retiree or individual over 65 years.

However, this equivalence fell to nine in 2010, which also implies a threat to their health and retirement systems, says the text.

The PRB bases its figures on reports received from other organizations, including the United Nations, and estimates that by 2050 the ratio of active people to senior citizens will be four to one.

Hill Butz, president of the group, explained that currently there is a chronically low fertility rate in industrialized countries, jeopardizing the health and financial security of the elderly.

The document warns of the high birth rate in the world, mainly affecting developing countries, which each year contribute more than 80 million people to global figures.

Africa is expected to increase its population to two billion. There are currently more than 6,900 million people on Earth, most of them living in extreme poverty.

Abu Carl, co-author of the report, noted that world population will reach 7 billion just 12 years after it had reached 6 billion.

Source: PL