Spatial dynamics of ageing population in Sri Lanka

Abstract

Population ageing is amongst the most critical and global demographic issues at present and the United Nations in 2013 proclaims that "Population ageing is taking place in nearly all the countries of the world". Similar to other countries, ageing phenomenon has become an influencing issue in Sri Lanka, incurring a number of social and economic consequences. Sri Lankan demographers identifies a vital increase in ageing population, and therefore it is of timely importance to identify the spatial dynamics of ageing population throughout the country. The main objective of this study is to ascertain the spatial trends and patterns of ageing population by districts from 2001 to 2012. The study uses Population Census data of 2001 and 2012 and aged population is identified as those who are 60 years or above. Geographical Information System and basic statistics are used to map and analyze the spatial patterns of the ageing population.