The dependency ratio is a demographic measure that indicates the ratio of dependent individuals (young and elderly) to the working-age population (typically aged 15-64). A higher dependency ratio implies more people relying on the working-age population. Which of the following scenarios would most likely lead to an increase in the dependency ratio?
1
An increase in birth rates
2
A decrease in unemployment rates
3
A surge in immigration of working-age adults
4
An increase in the retirement age
5
Improved access to higher education