What social challenges are posed by a pyramid-shaped versus a top-heavy age structure diagram? ...

Growing populations have a pyramid-shaped age structure diagram. These populations face problems associated with depletion of resources such as fertile agricultural and grazing land, clean water, and raw material and energy stores. They face the threat of war as people fight over limited resources. Growing populations also face issues of dealing with increased pollution and waste. Top-heavy age structure diagrams reflect an aging population. Aging populations face the challenges of caring for their elderly. Social programs such as health care and Social Security may become stressed to the limit as there are fewer young workers to support those who are beyond their most productive years. Economic growth may be compromised, and there might be a weaker military.