Élettartamköltség

Élettartamköltség is a Hungarian economic concept that refers to the costs associated with supporting a population beyond its productive years. These costs can take various forms, including pension payments, healthcare expenses, and social benefits.

The notion of élettartamköltség was popularized by Hungarian economist Mihály Fülöp, who introduced the concept in the mid-20th century. According to Fülöp, the costs of supporting a population are proportionate to the number of years a person lives beyond their productive years. Therefore, a longer life expectancy translates to higher costs, while a shorter lifespan results in lower expenses.

In practice, élettartamköltség includes various expenses such as pensions, unemployment benefits, and healthcare costs. These costs can become significant as populations age and generally become less productive. Governments and policymakers have to weigh the need to provide support for the aging population against the financial implications of doing so.

Studies and research on élettartamköltség have emphasized the importance of demographic trends and population structure in determining economic viability. Factors such as life expectancy, fertility rates, and labor productivity influence the scale of élettartamköltség, which in turn affects overall economic growth and development.

As a concept, élettartamköltség remains relevant in discussions about aging populations, pension reform, and sustainable economic growth.