14.3.4 Population Vulnerability: Demographic
Increases in total population when resources are scarce increase population
vulnerability. Assuming a continuation of recent trends in nearly all countries,
we will see a demographic "bulge" in the population moving into older
age groups and increasing life expectancies. Consequently, the proportion of
elderly persons within most populations will increase. The increased longevity
of the elderly population entails an increase in the burden of disabilities
(Crimmins et al., 1997). In Australia, elderly populations have increased disproportionately
in coastal areas where the risk of flooding may increase (Curson, 1995).
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