Ageing population

Question 1

what is ageing population?

Answer 1

Refers to a society where it has more older people and fewer younger people.

Question 2

what are 3 negative consequences of ageing population
+ evaluation except last one.

Answer 2

negative consequences :

1. increased pressure on public services = older people tend to use public services such as ( hospital and care homes) these are funded by tax payers so an increase in number of elderly people puts pressure on gov to increase taxes to provided housing, health and transport.
   evaluation = however many elderly people are fit, healthy and have personal savings so they are not burden on tax payers.
2. Housing crisis - many elderly people live alone in large bedroom homes whilst there is a shortage of housing in the uk. this puts pressure on the gov to provide specialist housing for elderly ( accessible homes and single storey) so large house can be made available for adults with children. EVALUATION - building specialist homes for the elderly is expensive.
3. ageism - many older people face discrimination in employment those in there 50s are likely to be made redundant and least likely to be employed. society also sees them as burden.

Question 3

What are 2 positive consequences of ageing population + evaluation for the first.

Answer 3

Grey pound - many older people are fit and healthy as well as being financially stable so they can pursue hobbies such as gardening and learning new skills thus contributing to the economy. hunt argues that older gen are a market for body maintenance products such as cosmetic surgery, anti ageing products and gyms - which all contributes to country’s GDP.
evaluation = this is only true for m.c elderly people as they can afford to save money whilst they were working since they had higher salaries and w.c tend to have lower life expectancy.

2. help for family members - the elderly are source of help for their adult children - they can help out financially as adults borrow money from their elderly parents to help them buy houses and socially ( by giving advice) and practically by babysitting their grandchildren.

Question 4

What are 3 SOCIAL POLCIES to tackle the problem caused by ageing population

• who is sociologist
• what are 3 things government are doing to help with problems of ageing population.

Answer 4

Hirsch - argues the gov has introduced new policies to deal with problem of an ageing population

1. increase tax paid by working population
2. increase the retirement age = so people are working for longer up to age of 72 rather than 65 which will reduce the number of people dependent, retired or old people
3. encourage elderly to trade down their houses for smaller accommodation. if older person sells their home and buys a smaller one they will have money left over that can be used for their care which will reduce the burden on taxpayers as well make the bigger houses available for younger gen with children.