What is a key social consequence of fertility squeeze?

• A. Rapid population growth.
• B. Increased immigration flows expanding labor markets.
• C. Decreased life expectancy.
• D. Aging populations and greater need for elderly support.

Answer: (D)

Fertility squeeze reshapes the age structure so older people become a larger share of the population. With fewer births, the proportion of working-age people declines relative to those who are elderly, creating a higher old-age dependency ratio. This leads to a greater need for elderly support, including more caregiving, expanded healthcare, and stronger pension or retirement systems. In families, caregiving responsibilities may shift toward relatives and households may adapt to longer-lived, older populations. Rapid population growth would require more births, not fewer; life expectancy generally rises rather than falls; and immigration can affect age structure but isn’t the direct consequence of having fewer births.