Aspects of demographic development in West Germany

: This report starts by giving some information on the aim and purpose of model-computations of the population development and shows some fundamental tendencies of this development. In the author's view it is not only the numerical population decline but especially the changes in age structure and ethnical composition, in household and family structures as well as the changing patterns of regional distribution and development of population that must be considered. All these different aspects are discussed in the light of the total development and, using the three-generations' contract as an example, are analysed with regard to the consequences for policy and planning. The author doubts that either simple solutions or a mere strategy of adaptation could help managing the problems to come. He emphasizes that counter measures should be taken including as one of the main subjects a demographic orientated family-policy which also takes into account the necessary solidarity among generations ("generationensolidarische Familienpolitik").