In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that can be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations
Problems:
- Healthcare costs
- The working-age population shrinks
Solutions:
- Offering flexible work arrangements
- Invest in lifelong learning and skills development
- Improve the efficiency of healthcare systems
It is true that nowadays, the standard life span/average life expectancy is expanding/increasing in advanced economies/developed world. There are various reasons for this, which have notable impacts on/lead to/affect on/take to both individuals and society. However, the government could certainly take steps to mitigate/reduce/cut down/decrease/lower the effects of aging populations.
First and foremost, this trend – replace for this issue leads to a significant increase in healthcare costs. Longer life spans often result in higher healthcare expenses, particularly in the later years of life. This can strain healthcare systems and escalate the cost of medical care. For instance, Japan, known for its rapidly aging population, has faced significant healthcare cost increases. The demand for healthcare services, including specialized geriatric care and long-term care facilities, has surged, pressuring the country’s healthcare system and public budgets.
In particular, older individuals often require more frequent medical visits, diagnostic tests, and treatments to manage age-related health conditions. This surge in demand can lead to longer wait times for medical appointments and procedures, potentially compromising the quality of care. A study conducted in European countries, such as the United Kingdom and Germany, reveals that the waiting times for essential medical procedures have increased due to the higher demand from the elderly population.
Furthermore, with a higher proportion of the population in the elderly age group, the working-age population shrinks. This can bring about labor shortages and reduced productivity, which may potentially slow down economic growth. For example, in countries like Germany, where the population is aging rapidly, there is a growing concern about labor shortages, particularly in industries that rely on younger workers. This can lead to delays in projects, reduced output, and higher labor costs.
In other words, to mitigate the economic implications of an aging population, various strategies can be considered. Firstly, encourage individuals to work longer by offering flexible work arrangements, phased retirement options, and incentives for staying in the workforce. For instance, Sweden has successfully implemented policies that incentivize older individuals to remain in the workforce by offering reduced working hours and flexible schedules for those approaching retirement age.
Secondly, invest in lifelong learning and skills development to enhance the productivity and adaptability of the workforce, including older individuals. Singapore is an excellent example of a country that actively promotes lifelong learning by offering subsidies for older adults to acquire new skills and knowledge, making them more competitive in the job market.
Finally, improve the efficiency of healthcare systems to control costs and ensure accessibility and high quality for the aging population. The Netherlands has adopted an efficient healthcare system that combines public and private elements, ensuring that healthcare services are readily accessible and of high quality while controlling costs.
In conclusion, the increasing life expectancy in the developed world presents opportunities and challenges. By adopting proactive policies that address healthcare costs, economic implications, and social welfare systems, societies can harness the potential of longer life spans while mitigating the associated difficulties.
Signposting
- First and foremost
- Furthermore
- In other words
- Firstly, Secondly, Finally
- In conclusion
New words
- expectancy: tuổi thọ
- impacts on/lead to/affect on/take to/result in: Các paraphrase khi mà sử dụng để nói 1 sự vật, sự việc nào đó ảnh hưởng đến, dẫn đến cái gì
- mitigate/reduce/cut down/decrease/lower: các paraphrase dùng để nói để sự giảm của 1 sự việc nào đó
- surge: Sự bùng nổ ( surge in demand: sự bùng nổ về nhu cầu )
- strain/escalate: Kéo dãn ( trong bài viết đang sử dụng với nghĩa là làm cho căng thẳng, quá tải – strain healthcare system, escalate the cost of medical care )
- compromise: làm tổn hại cho, gây nguy hiểm cho
- reveals: tiết lộ ( hay dùng đến cho việc đưa ra các examples và cụ thể là các tổ chức, con người đã tiết lộ cái gì đó hoặc là nêu ra cái gì đó )
- proportion/rate: Tỷ lệ
- shrink: co lại, hẹp lại ( trong bài viết được dùng để nói đến độ tuổi lao động bị hẹp lại ( working-age population shrinks )
- workforce: Lực lượng lao động
- labor: nhân công
- social welfare systems: hệ thống phúc lợi xã hội
- harness/ ultilize: khai thác, tận dụng