Demographic Aging of the European Union Countries

Abstract

This paper deals with the issue of demographic aging of the European Union. Its aim is to describe the process of demographic aging, and to evaluate the demographic situation of the European Union at the turn of the third millennium. Today, demographic aging is considered one of the most important challenges of many developed economies. Its range and speed are particularly dependent on the development of average life expectancy, the level of fertility and migration process. The demographic changes rank among the most important future challenges of the European Union as a whole and its member states. Demographic aging impacts the society and its economics, infrastructure and government. Hence, the great scope strategies in the fields of economics, spatial planning, education, transportation, accommodation, and social inclusion having to take into account all the factors provoked by an aging population. It is appropriate to remember that the increasing share of the older population leads an increase in both their contributions to society and their needs from society or consumers’ and citizens’ requirements and expectations.