Glossary

Population by Age | Demographic Glossary

Written by Adelle Wood | Jun 18, 2025 11:41:47 PM

Definition

The number of people grouped into standard age brackets (e.g., 0–17, 18–24, 25–44, etc.).

Why It Matters

Age is one of the most powerful predictors of consumer behavior, lifestyle needs, and socio-economic contributions. A detailed age distribution reveals the unique demands, preferences, and economic drivers of a community, influencing everything from demand for goods to the types of services required.

Specific Relevance for Professionals:

Marketers
A detailed age breakdown is paramount for defining precise target audiences. Knowing the specific age distribution (e.g., a high concentration of young adults vs. seniors) allows for the development of highly relevant product offerings, tailored messaging (e.g., tech-savvy, family-centric, retirement-focused), and the selection of appropriate advertising channels that resonate with particular age cohorts.

Researchers
Age distribution data is fundamental for cohort analysis, studying life-stage impacts on various social, economic, or health phenomena, and examining generational trends in behavior or attitudes. It provides the framework for analyzing demographic transitions and their broader societal implications.

Consultants
In market feasibility studies, a detailed age demographic is critical for assessing product viability and demand. For example, a client developing a new educational app needs a clear picture of the concentration of school-aged children, while a retirement community developer needs a granular understanding of the senior population's size and distribution. It also informs long-term workforce planning and consumer trend analysis.

Public Policy Workers
Age distribution directly impacts the planning and funding for almost all public services. Governments use this data to forecast future demands for school capacity, allocate resources for senior care facilities, predict future workforce needs, and develop targeted public health campaigns for specific age-related health concerns (e.g., childhood vaccinations or chronic disease management for seniors).

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