Ageprofile

An age profile is a statistical representation of the age composition of a population or a defined group, typically expressed as the shares of individuals in specific age ranges and summarized by measures such as the median age. Age profiles describe the demographic structure of a country, region, city, or organization, and can be constructed for populations as diverse as a national workforce or a customer base. Common age bands include children (0–14), youths (15–24), working-age adults (25–54), older adults (55–64), and seniors (65+), though bands vary by jurisdiction and purpose. Related indicators include the median age, and age-dependency ratios—the number of dependents per 100 working-age people—along with population pyramids that graphically display the distribution by age and sex.

Data for age profiles come from censuses, surveys, and administrative records collected by statistical agencies and compiled into official estimates and projections. Age profiles are used in planning and policy to forecast needs for schools, health services, pensions, housing, and infrastructure, as well as in labor-market analysis and regional development. In business, age profiles help tailor products, services, and marketing strategies to target segments or workforce planning.

Limitations include variation in age-band definitions, data quality, and timeliness. They may mask heterogeneity within age groups and cohort effects, where birth cohorts experience different conditions. Migration and cross-border movements can quickly alter an age structure, affecting the accuracy of projections.