Better way to measure ageing in Oceania that takes life expectancy into account.

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to improve the measurement of ageing in Oceania taking into account characteristics of populations and, in particular, changes in life expectancy. METHOD: Using past and projected life tables, we calculated prospective old age dependency ratios (POADRs) to 2060, placing the boundary to old age at a moving point with a fixed remaining life expectancy (RLE) for thirteen territories of Oceania. RESULTS: In some territories, POADRs grow less rapidly than old age dependency ratios (OADRs). For example, in Australia and Guam, the OADR is forecast to increase from 0.20 and 0.07 in 1980, respectively, to 0.45 and 0.39 in 2050-55, while the POADR is forecast to increase from 0.17 and 0.07 to 0.19 and 0.19, respectively, over the same period. CONCLUSION: Policymakers may consider this more rational approach to measurement when considering holistic policy responses to both current issues relating to ageing and mitigating against future challenges.