what does the dependency ratio tell you 
a high dependency ratio means those of working age and the overall economy face a greater burden in supporting the aging population the youth dependency ratio includes those only under 15 and the elderly dependency ratio focuses on those over 64 the dependency ratio focuses on separating those of working age deemed between the ages of 15 and 64 years of age from those of non working age this also provides an accounting of those who have the potential to earn their own income and who are most likely to not earn their own income 1various employment regulations make it unlikely that individuals less than 15 years old would get employed for any personal income 23 a person who turns 65 years old is generally considered to be of normal retirement age and is not necessarily expected to be part of the workforce 4 it is the lack of income potential that generally qualifies those under 15 and over 64 as dependents as it is often necessary for them to receive outside support to meet their needs an analysis of dependency ratiosdependency ratios are generally reviewed to compare the percentage of the total population classified as working age that will support the rest of the non working age population this provides an overview for economists to track shifts in the population as the percentage of non working citizens rises those who are working are likely subject to increased taxes to compensate for the larger dependent population at times the dependency ratio is adjusted to reflect a more accurate dependency this is due to the fact those over 64 often require more government assistance than dependents under the age of 15 as the overall age of the population rises the ratio can be shifted to reflect the increased needs associated with an aging population 1example of the dependency ratiofor example assume that the mythical country of investopedialand has a population of 1 000 people and there are 250 children under the age of 15 500 people between the ages of 15 and 64 and 250 people aged 65 and older the youth dependency ratio is 50 or 250 500 limitations of the dependency ratiothe dependency ratio only considers age when determining whether a person is economically active other factors may determine if a person is economically active aside from age including status as a student illness or disability stay at home parents early retirement and the long term unemployed additionally some people choose to continue working beyond age 64 