In calculating Dependency Ratio, the numerator is expressed as:
**Core Concept**
The Dependency Ratio is a demographic measure used to express the ratio of a population's dependent members (children and elderly) to its working-age population. It is a crucial indicator for understanding the economic implications of a population's age structure.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The correct answer is **C. Total population aged 0-14 years and 65 years or older**. The Dependency Ratio is calculated by dividing the sum of the number of children (0-14 years) and the number of elderly (65 years or older) by the number of working-age individuals (15-64 years). This ratio is used to assess the proportion of the population that is dependent on the working-age population for support.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** is incorrect because it does not account for the elderly population, which is also considered dependent. **Option B:** is incorrect because it only considers children, ignoring the elderly population. **Option D:** is incorrect because it does not specify the age range for children, which is typically 0-14 years.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that the Dependency Ratio is a critical factor in determining the economic burden on a country's working-age population. A high Dependency Ratio can lead to increased healthcare and social security costs, making it essential to understand this demographic indicator.
**Correct Answer: C. Total population aged 0-14 years and 65 years or older**