Not included in numerator of dependency ratio?
**Core Concept**
The dependency ratio is an indicator used to calculate the number of individuals who are dependent on the working-age population. It is calculated by dividing the sum of the population under 15 years and the population above 64 years by the working-age population (15-64 years). The dependency ratio is an important tool for policymakers to understand the burden on the working-age population.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
The numerator of the dependency ratio includes the population under 15 years (children) and the population above 65 years (seniors). The population under 15 years is considered dependent because they are not yet economically productive, while the population above 65 years is also considered dependent due to their advanced age and potential for retirement. The working-age population (15-64 years) is considered the productive segment of the population.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** Incorrect because the working-age population (15-64 years) is actually part of the denominator, not the numerator.
**Option B:** Incorrect because the population above 65 years is actually part of the numerator, not the denominator.
**Option C:** Incorrect because the population under 15 years is actually part of the numerator, not the denominator.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
The dependency ratio is an important indicator of the economic burden on the working-age population. A high dependency ratio can lead to a decrease in economic growth and an increase in the burden on the working-age population.
**Correct Answer: C. The working-age population (15-64 years) is actually part of the denominator, not the numerator.**