The Effect of Migration on the Mean Age of Population

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to calculate population-aging rate among cities and counties, and the contribution of migration on the changing rate of a population’s mean age in Taiwan. The methodology employed Preston’s aging rate to analyze the demographic structure. Notable findings including (1) low birthrate contributes to population aging and (2) migration contributes to decline mean age in some cities. The final section of the article discusses how socioeconomic factors impacts migration patterns and ultimately affects population aging or rejuvenation. This article found that the higher social increase rate, the higher percentage of employment in the services industry, and the larger average living area per person depressed mean age of population. This indicates that socioeconomic development, such as creating more employment opportunities or improving living quality in cities, will attract younger demographics and shift the populations mean age. Based on such findings, it is the conclusions of this study that the government should promote childbirth and foster local socioeconomic development to attract migration, even international emigration.