Q- Around the world, people are now living longer than ever before in the past. Some say an aging population creates problems for governments. Others believe there are benefits to society having more elderly people. To what extent do the advantages of possessing an ageing population outweigh the disadvantages?
Ans. The phenomenon of increased life expectancy, leading to an ageing population, is a reality in many countries around the globe. Some people argue that this demographic shift poses challenges for governments while others believe that it brings various advantages to society. This essay will discuss both perspectives and state that the benefits of having an aging population outweigh the drawbacks.
On one hand, an aging population can present several difficulties for governments. The most notable challenge is the increased demand for healthcare services. As people age, they often require more medical attention, which can strain healthcare systems and lead to higher public spending. Moreover, with fewer individuals in the workforce, governments may face reduced tax revenues that could impact the funding of public services. For example- the demographic dividend that India once enjoyed, with a large working-age population contributing to economic growth, is gradually giving way to concerns about reduced tax revenues. This shift has prompted policymakers to explore alternative revenue streams, reform tax policies, and seek innovative solutions to sustain public services as the country navigates the demographic complexities associated with an aging society.
On the other hand, an aging population can also bring benefits to society. Firstly, elderly people often play crucial roles within families by providing care for their grandchildren and supporting their adult children. Such intergenerational interaction fosters strong family bonds and contributes to social cohesion. Secondly, older people possess a wealth of experience and wisdom that they can share with society at large. Their valuable insights and perspectives enrich community life and promote progress, within our society. For example, in an Indian community center, seniors conduct mentorship programs providing guidance to young entrepreneurs based on their decades of experience. This not only assists the younger generation in navigating challenges within the dynamic Indian business landscape but also creates a collaborative atmosphere that propels the community towards shared economic and social goals.
In summary, despite the challenges posed by an ageing population, there are notable advantages as well. Governments should actively prepare for these demographic shifts, ensuring the resilience of healthcare systems and optimising opportunities for the elderly to actively contribute to society. Through these proactive measures, the benefits of an ageing population can be fully harnessed, positively impacting both individuals and society at large.
Analysis
Paraphrased Statement: The phenomenon of increased life expectancy, leading to an aging population, is a reality in many countries around the globe. Some people argue that this demographic shift poses challenges for governments while others believe that it brings various advantages to society.
Thesis Statement: This essay will discuss both perspectives and state that the benefits of having an aging population outweigh the drawbacks.
Body Paragraph 1-Topic Sentences: On one hand, an aging population can present several difficulties for governments. The most notable challenge is the increased demand for healthcare services. As people age, they often require more medical attention, which can strain healthcare systems and lead to higher public spending.
Body Paragraph 1- Supporting Reasons and Explanations: Moreover, with fewer individuals in the workforce, governments may face reduced tax revenues that could impact the funding of public services. For example- the demographic dividend that India once enjoyed, with a large working-age population contributing to economic growth, is gradually giving way to concerns about reduced tax revenues. This shift has prompted policymakers to explore alternative revenue streams, reform tax policies, and seek innovative solutions to sustain public services as the country navigates the demographic complexities associated with an aging society.
Body Paragraph 2- Topic sentence: On the other hand, an aging population can also bring benefits to society. Firstly, elderly people often play crucial roles within families by providing care for their grandchildren and supporting their adult children. Such intergenerational interaction fosters strong family bonds and contributes to social cohesion. Secondly, older people possess a wealth of experience and wisdom that they can share with society at large.
Body Paragraph 2- Supporting Reasons and Explanations: Their valuable insights and perspectives enrich community life and promote progress, within our society. For example, in an Indian community center, seniors conduct mentorship programs providing guidance to young entrepreneurs based on their decades of experience. This not only assists the younger generation in navigating challenges within the dynamic Indian business landscape but also creates a collaborative atmosphere that propels the community towards shared economic and social goals.
Conclusion: In summary, despite the challenges posed by an ageing population, there are notable advantages as well. Governments should actively prepare for these demographic shifts, ensuring the resilience of healthcare systems and optimising opportunities for the elderly to actively contribute to society. Through these proactive measures, the benefits of an ageing population can be fully harnessed, positively impacting both individuals and society at large.
Vocabulary in Use
Word | Meanings |
Phenomenon | An observable event or a particularly impressive or unusual event, fact, or occurrence. |
Around the globe | All over the world |
Demographic shift | Changes in the population structure of an area. |
Poses | Presents or constitutes (a problem or danger). |
Outweigh | Be heavier, greater, or more significant than. |
Notable | Worthy of attention or notice; remarkable. |
Strain | A force or influence that stretches, pulls, or puts pressure on something. |
Demographic dividend | Economic growth potential that results from shifts in a population’s age structure. |
Prompted | Done as a reaction to something. |
Sustain | Strengthen or support physically or mentally. |
Navigates | Plan and direct the route or course. |
Intergenerational interaction | Interaction between different generations. |
Fosters | Encourage the development of something. |
Social cohesion | The willingness of members of a society to cooperate with each other. |
Decades | Periods of ten years. |
Propels | Drive or push something forwards. |
Resilience | The capacity to recover quickly from difficulties. |
Proactive | Creating or controlling a situation rather than just responding to it. |
Harnessed | Make use of resources, especially to produce energy. |
Linkers and Connectors Used
Following are the Linkers and Connectors:
- The phenomenon of
- Leading to
- Around the globe
- While
- On one hand
- Moreover
- For example
- This shift
- As the country navigates
- On the other hand
- Firstly/Secondly
- Such
- In summary
- Despite
- Through these proactive measures
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