The able-bodied population is a part of the country's population that, according to physiological and psychological data, is able to participate in the labor process. This is a set of people mainly working age. In Russia, this age is for women from 16 to 54 years old, for men - from 16 to 59 years old. Working age may vary in different countries according to the law and depends on prevailing traditions and legal conditions.
In world statistics, it is customary to consider able-bodied people to be 15–64 years old. According to experts, in 1970 the share of the working population was about 58% of the total world population. In developed Western countries, this figure reaches 65%.
There is also the concept of labor resources, but it covers not only a certain age range, but also includes professional and qualification characteristics.
The able-bodied population is characterized by quantitative and qualitative characteristics. The quantitative composition is determined by the total number, growth rate and absolute growth of the working population. The qualitative component is characterized by physical indicators - the state of health and legal capacity, as well as the level of educational and professional training. Under the professional disability refers to the ability to a specific type of activity that requires special training.
The economically active population of the country is a part of the able-bodied population employed in the production as well as non-production sectors. This includes the unemployed, that is, those who are able and willing to work and are actively seeking employment.
The able-bodied population of the whole world is growing today mainly due to the countries of a developing economy. According to the world's leading recruiting companies, by 2030 its number will increase by 21%. At the same time, the main growth (about 930 million people) will come from India, Nigeria, Pakistan, Indonesia, Latin America and Africa.
The able-bodied population of European countries with developed economies is characterized by a tendency to aging and a reduction in numbers. The forced need to rely on workers over 60 years of age leads to an increase in the retirement age. Companies have to develop special retraining programs for such employees, as well as health care technologies.
The able-bodied population of Russia also tends to steadily decline. According to experts, by 2030 its number will decrease by almost 17 million people. Russia tops the list of 25 countries in which, due to the difficult demographic situation, the largest decline in the working-age population is planned. The second place is occupied by Japan. Experts predict the loss of 13 million people of working age.
Also on this list are Germany (8 million), Ukraine (6 million), Poland (3.9 million people). The number of able-bodied people will increase primarily in India (by approximately 240 million people by 2030), Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh (respectively, by 62, 54, 34 million). In developed countries, the largest population growth is expected in the United States - 18 million people.
These countries will soon be in dire need of attracting highly qualified specialists. The governments of countries such as the UK, USA, Singapore and Australia have created the most attractive conditions for attracting foreign specialists thanks to a well-thought-out immigration policy and high quality of life.
The able-bodied population is aging, in connection with which the government of many countries makes decisions on raising the retirement age. In Japan, this age was 65 years old back in 2006, in Brazil even earlier - in 2003 (60 years for women and 65 for men). Other countries (such as the United Kingdom) have adopted a number of laws prohibiting discrimination against retirement age workers and allowing them to remain in their workplaces.