The aging population in Europe poses significant economic issues primarily for the following reasons:
B: There are now more retired people than working people in many countries.
This demographic shift leads to several challenges:
- Pension Strain: With a growing number of retirees, there’s increased pressure on pension systems as fewer workers are paying into these systems.
- Labor Force Shortage: A shrinking workforce can result in labor shortages, hindering economic growth and productivity.
- Healthcare Costs: An older population typically requires more healthcare services, increasing public spending in that sector.
- Economic Growth: Slower growth can occur when there are not enough workers to sustain economic activity.
While other options touch on related themes, B captures the core issue regarding the balance between the working population and retirees.