Ageing Population

Question 1

Hirsch (ageing UK population)

Answer 1

• age “pyramids” replaced by more equal sized “blocks”
• in 2014 the number of U15 = 65+

Question 2

Phillipson (Marxist)

Answer 2

• old are no longer a use to capitalism as not productive
• so they become a “burden” to wc specifically as due to low incomes they’re more likely to live in extended families

Question 3

(postmodern)

Answer 3

Hunts:
- “life course” has become fragmented & individuals now have greater choice
- due to hyper reality the old have become a market for consumption (anti aging products etc)

Townsend:
- “old age” socially constructed due to retirement which causes dependency, creating “pensioner class”

Question 4

Hirsch (solutions to ageing population)

Answer 4

• increased taxes to finance longer lives
• housing policies for older people in big houses (moving them into smaller accommodation)

Question 5

Chambers

Answer 5

Women outlive men (as men typically older than women in relationships) and more old women live alone “feminisation of later life”

Question 6

Chambers (singlehood)

Answer 6

• increased geographical mobility meaning families more likely to move apart
• smaller families (beanpole)
• choosing not to have kids