Ageing index evolution in the Spanish population

Official statistics allow an analysis of the ageing index changes in the Spanish population from 1930 to 1975. During this period the ageing index values doubled from 19.11 to 38.60, the maximum increase having occurred between 1950 and 1960. Both birth and death rates lowered during the 45 years studid; however, the death rate decreased twice as fast. The natural increase rise was thus mainly due to a lower death rate. These data can explain a part of the ageing index transformation. By province, the ageing index range increased three-fold from 1930 to 1975. Some provinces showed an elevated index and others a reduced one. After 1960, extensive areas of inland Spain showed an older age structure because of emigration to industrialized towns.