Typology of the Transformation of the Age Structure in Russian Regions

Abstract

Assessment of changes in the age structure in Russia is relevant due to the increasing ageing of the population and implementation of demographic policy measures. The study aims to develop a typology of the transformation of the age structure in Russian regions. It is hypothesised that differences in the speed and direction of transformation cause the formation of various types and subtypes of age structure. Official data of the Federal State Statistics Service were analysed: “Demographic Yearbook of Russia”; “Supplement to the Demographic Yearbook of Russia”; statistical bulletins “Population of the Russian Federation by sex and age”. As a result, Russian regions were grouped based on 6 types and 18 subtypes of the transformation of the age structure. Calculation of the ageing index revealed the following 6 types of age structure: very young, young, on the eve of old age, moderately old, old, and very old. The most common are regions with moderately old age structure (38.1 %), followed by regions with old age structure (25 %) and very old age structure (19 %). Regions classified as “on the eve of old age”, “young” and “very young” together account for no more than 18 %. The ageing dynamics index was calculated to identify 18 subtypes of the transformation of the age structure. The ageing trend is observed in 80 Russian regions: slow ageing of the population is recorded in 52 constituent entities, and increased ageing — in 28 regions. The rejuvenation trend is characteristic only for 4 regions: the Republic of Tuva, Moscow oblast, Saint Petersburg and the Republic of Crimea. The obtained results can be used by public authorities to improve regional demographic policy.