Ageing Population Flashcards
Why do elderly people have a large impact on the healthcare budget?
They require more GP and hospital appointments as well as being more prone to contracting diseases and illness’
Why do elderly people have such a huge impact on the government and economy?
Because of the ‘grey pound’ and ‘grey vote’ where elderly people make up a large proportion of the national spending and the votes in the UK
Grey pound is worth £215bn to UK economy
Sectors that benefit most are health, beauty and transport
What percentage of the UK NHS budget is spent on the over 65’s?
50%
Why does the UK Government need to pay much more for state pensions than they did when they were first introduced?
Because in 1908, when they were introduced, the retirement age for men was 65 and life expectancy was 67 however now the retirement age is 65 for everyone and life expectancy is 80
What was the ratio between working people and the retired in 1908 and the predicted for 2024 in the UK?
22:1 in 1908 and under 3:1 in 2024
What strategies have been put in place to deal with the ageing population in the UK? (5)
Increasing retirement age and state pensions for women to 65 and everyones to 68 by 2050,
Restricting access to drugs for diseases of old age,
Increasing support for pregnant women to increase birth rates,
Welcoming migrant workers which increase the tax base,
Introducing anti-ageism laws to provide work opportunities for the elderly.
Why are the elderly beneficial to the UK? (5)
Many do voluntary work and/or provide childcare for grandchildren,
Spend a large amount of money in the leisure sector,
Provide a target market for manufacturers,
Many work into retirement e.g B&Q,
Still pay tax on income and savings.
In Devon, what has happened as a result of an ageing population?
Young people moving away
What is the UK’s dependency ratio?
54%
