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Photo by Donna Lee

"Silver Tsunami" - Demographic Geography

Donna Lee —

Year 11 Geography classes have been investigating the demographic forces shaping New Zealand's future. Students have explored what population aging really means.

As part of their research students have been conducting a comparative study on how and why life expectancy has changed over time. A field trip to the local Waimairi Cemetery enabled students to collect a sample of primary data on the average age of death prior to the 1950's. Data from the Christchurch Press was then applied as a sample of current averages. Students have analysed the key trends and will go on to consider the impacts of an aging population, both in New Zesland and beyond.