Changes in the Age Structure of Working Age Population in the Context of Population Ageing (the Case of North-West Regions of Russia)

Population ageing is a multifaceted process, it affects subpopulations, including labor force. Working age span covers rather long period – usually 20 – 64 years old. During such period, numerous new technologies may appear, requiring adaptation of labor force, especially at older ages, to them. Thus, it is important to examine age structure of working age population.

The paper aims to analyze dynamics of size and proportions of subgroups of working age population, WA (20-34, 35-49, 50-64 years old, designated WAI, WA II, WAIII) in the North-West regions Russia (here – the North West Federal District, NWFD) in 1990 – 2019.

The NWFD includes 11 regions: Arkhangelsk, Vologda, Kaliningrad, Leningrad, Murmansk, Novgorod and Pskov regions, Nenets Autonomous district, Republic of Karelia, Republic of Komi, and The City of St. Petersburg. More than half of the NWFD regions are border regions, that attaches particular importance to the considered topic.

The study is based on data given by Federal State Statistic Service  (Rosstat).

It was found, in particular, that there are no principal differences between regions in the dynamics of proportions of three WA subgroups. Subgroups of WA (WAI, WAII, WAIII) have different dynamics, this can affect the need for workers in different specialties, which, in turn, may require retraining or training for a new profession. Research findings may contribute to a better understanding of effects of age structure changes on the labor market and its managing in ageing populations in the coming era of new technologies, to formulating and harmonization labor market policies.