The use of cluster analysis to explore associations in population ageing in the Czech Republic

Kornélia Cséfalvaiová, University of Economics, Prague (VSE)
Elena Makhalova, University of Economics, Prague (VSE)
Tomas Loster, University of Economics, Prague (VSE)

The process of population ageing is a phenomenon discussed in the most of the European countries. In the last period, lifetime prolongation has become a significant achievement of European societies. On the other hand, population ageing is a major challenge for economies and welfare systems of the member states. This demographic transformation is one of the most important challenges that Europe will face in the future. Persistent demographic changes have been affected by second demographic transition and influenced the demographic development of European countries. Higher life expectancy, lower fertility rates, improvement in health and lower mortality rates have consequences on changes in population structure. The main aim of this article is to analyse the aspects and indicators of population ageing in the Czech Republic using cluster analysis. Furthermore, clustering is used to identify the similarities in regions between population ageing and selected indicators. Regarding selected demographic and economic indicators, regions of the Czech Republic are grouped into regional units in terms of the age structure and the intensity of population ageing.