BERLIN, March 8 (Xinhua) -- A large majority of Germans are worried about the implications of an aging population, a study published on Thursday by the think tank, the Bertelsmann Foundation, shows.

Nearly two-thirds (65 percent) of Germans associated risks with demographic change, such as old-age poverty, having to work longer, and a need to pay higher salary contributions towards pensions.

The findings were based on a representative survey of 1,454 Germans above the age of 16 that was conducted by the Allensbach Institute for Public Opinion Research on behalf of the Bertelsmann Foundation.

"The survey clearly shows that citizens experience demographic change as a significant and far-reaching trend which will significantly influence the future of Germany," a statement by Bertelsmann demography expert Andre Schleiter read. Comparatively, a study by the foundation in 2014 found that only 55 percent of respondents had indicated that they were concerned about the prospect of an aging population.

Schleiter highlighted that a failure to successfully manage demographic change was likely to result in an increase of social inequality in Germany.

He urged policymakers to "carefully monitor the social implications" of any reforms with regards to the pensions system and labor market.