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Decline in births in the Viersen district: mothers are getting older!
The article highlights the decline in births and the increasing age of mothers in the Viersen district in 2024.
Decline in births in the Viersen district: mothers are getting older!
In the Viersen district, the number of births is falling, while the average age of mothers is rising. These trends are part of a broader demographic development that affects not only the district but all of North Rhine-Westphalia. According to a statement from the IT NRW State Statistical Office, a decline in the number of births will be recorded in 2024 compared to the previous year. From 2,205 births in 2023, the number fell to 2,155 in 2024, a decline of 2.27 percent. This value is above the national average of 1.75 percent, as RP Online reports.
A look at mothers shows that their average age increased from 31.6 years in 2023 to 31.9 years in 2024. The average age at the birth of the first child has also increased, from 30.4 to 30.7 years. The aging of mothers is highlighted by the fact that the majority of mothers (873) are between the ages of 30 and 34. In contrast, only 32 children were born to mothers under 20, while 113 children were born to mothers over 40.
Nationwide trends and challenges
A notable trend is that birth rates are increasing among women over 30 years of age, while births are stabilizing among younger women below this threshold. This transformation is clear, as the 1968 cohort reached a historic low with an average of 1.49 children per woman.
The outlook into the future
If you look at the development over the years, the average age of mothers at birth has continuously increased, with the age limit reaching 31.7 years. Even if the shoulders of demographic change are heavily burdened, there are also bright spots. Immigrant women, who tend to be younger, have contributed to stabilizing fertility and are increasing the overall birth rate.
The situation in the Viersen district not only reflects local changes, but also fits into the challenges facing society as a whole that accompany demographic change. Politicians are now faced with the task of following these developments closely and, if necessary, taking appropriate measures to support young families.