grorrth, a decrease in the slze of the youngest age groups and marked increases in the proportion of the elderly in the population. Trends towards the aging of the population are projected to become increasingly significant in developing as well as developed countries. At the same time, as the large birth cohorts of recent years progress through the Iife cycLe to old age, absolute numbers of the elderly are projected to jump from an estimated 370 nilLion in 1980 to more than one billion in 2025, witb over 70 per cent living in deveLoping regions. 8. A few years have now passed since the Ineernational Plan of Action on Aglng was so strongly endorsed. 'Ihe first review and appraisal, recently conducted by the United l{ations, exanined the tangible impact of the planr whether it has spurred decision makers at the national, regional and internatlon€l levels to anticipate the social and economic implications of the aging of their popula tionstructuresr and whether it has led to the allocation of sufficlent resources to meet the individual needs of growing numbers of the elderly. As a part of the review and appraisal, over 100 SCates Members of the United l,lations, concerned regional and international. organizaCions and non-governmenta I organizations, assessed their progress to date, in carrying ouC the Planrs reconmenda tions. 9. The results of the review and appraisal exercise shon clearly that there has been progress since 1982. National and idternationa!. awareness of the impact of aging lrends on development has increased. the contribution that the elderlyA/ 40 /7L4 English Page 4
**Analysis**
The text discusses the aging population trend and its implications on development, highlighting the need for awareness and resource allocation to meet the needs of the elderly. It also mentions a plan of action and a review of its implementation. These points suggest that the category should be related to development, social, and economic issues.

**Category**
Health, Employment, Education