Problems and solutions Question:
In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.
My Answer:
It is true that the life span of individuals is increasing on a global scale. Although various problems will appear, there are several solutions that can be used to reduce these effects.
As life expectancy increases and the population ages, various issues will come into sight. The main problem is that the age group is challenging to follow and adapt to the rapidly developing society after retirement and will experience decades of monotonous life, which may produce feelings of boredom, loneliness, and isolation, all of which are associated with the increased risk of mental illness. Also, an abundance of older adults will suffer from different diseases and require many funds for long-term treatment. This will be a heavy personal and social burden, especially for retirees who do not have family support and pensions. Another problem is that the economy may meet a downturn due to falling personal income and reducing buying behavior after retirement.
As far as the above-mentioned problems are concerned, several actions can be taken by governments. Firstly, a simple solution is to open more specific universities for retired people, where people can develop their interests and even learn the most cutting-edge academic knowledge. These subjects will help stimulate their exploration of trends and make new friends in their later years. The second measure would be to delay the retirement age of working adults, coupled with a mandatory pension savings policy, to ease the country’s financial pressure. Finally, it is possible to design relaxing and leisure travel routes to serve the elderly, to attract them to go out, broaden their horizons, experience different cultures, and promote consumption.
In conclusion, the worries about aging society could be dealt with by governments in a variety of ways.