What does the term 'dependency ratio' imply?

The term 'dependency ratio' refers to the relationship between the working-age population and those who are considered dependent, which typically includes both the elderly and the young who are not yet part of the workforce. When we talk about a higher dependency ratio, it indicates that there are more people who are not working and are reliant on the economically active population, creating a burden on the workers to support these dependents.

In this context, 'more elderly people depend on the economically active youth' fits well, as it highlights the reality that an increasing number of senior citizens rely on the productivity and income generated by a smaller group of workers. This can raise concerns about the sustainability of social services and pensions, especially in societies where birth rates are low and life expectancy is high.

The other options do not accurately capture the meaning of dependency ratio. The number of young people needing jobs relates to employment issues, while increased retirement age addresses workforce participation rather than dependence. Lastly, higher birth rates than death rates may contribute to the overall population size but do not specifically define the dependency dynamics captured by the dependency ratio.