Life Expectancy

Question 1

What are the 4 reasons for increased life expectancy?

Answer 1

• improved nutrition
• medical improvements
• public health measures
• fewer bad habits

Question 2

How has improved nutrition improved life expectancy?

Answer 2

Cultural sociologists argue there has been a shift in behavior. Greater awareness of a stable diet and key food groups. Campaigns such as Slimming World and Change 4 Life have encouraged people to change their diet. Cambridge University in 2018 advocated for unhealthy snacks not to be put on sale at checkout. Sugar tax was also introduced in 2018 which deterred customers from buying sugary products

Question 3

Evaluation of improved nutrition improving life expectancy?

Answer 3

As a nation, we have one of the highest obesity rates in the world and the worse in Europe.

Question 4

How has improved medicine improved life expectancy?

Answer 4

Biological theorists believe medical improvements have increased life expectancy. Vaccine programmes against measles and TB mean the prevalence of disease in the UK is low. Small pox has been eradicated. Treatment for health issues has improved - antibiotics, cancer therapies and surgeries have improved. Diagnosis and screening means the detection of disease is better leading to better treatment…

Question 5

Evaluation of improved medicine improving life expectancy?

Answer 5

• may of been better hygiene that led to the decrease in disease
• general improvements in health may of led to a fall in the people reliant on hospitals.

Question 6

How has improved public health measures improved life expectancy?

Answer 6

McKeown (1976) disagrees with medicine being the main factor. Infections such as TB were declining long before vaccines were introduced. Public health measures = non-medical intervention. Can have a big difference in general health and wellbeing. The slum clearance in the 1930s where poor quality housing was pulled down ect. 1956 Clean Air Act reduced air pollution in major cities. Better hygiene practices and the importance of hand washing has also helped.

Question 7

Evaluation of improved public health measures improving life expectancy?

Answer 7

• public health measures are not enough to stem the spread of disease, vaccines are needed
• everyone doesn’t have equal access to hygiene, some live in damp houses e.c.t.

Question 8

How have fewer bad habits improved life expectancy?

Answer 8

Cultural sociologists argue behaviour is changing for the better. More and more people possess gym memberships and engage in regular activity. Change 4 Life and Couch to 5K both offer motivation to do workouts. Fewer bad habits = decline in smokers from a peak in 1948. 14% of the population now smoke. Alcohol consumption also seems to be falling with the highest rates in over 65s.

Question 9

Evaluation of fewer bad habits improving life expectancy?

Answer 9

• people who own cars are less active
• a lot of jobs are office based
• new habits have emerged such as smart phone addiction

Question 10

What are the 4 effects of increased life expectancy on society and families?

Answer 10

• impact on public services
• increase in one-person pensioner households
• impact on the dependency ratio
• return of extended family

Question 11

Explain the impact of increased life expectancy on public services?

Answer 11

As people get older, they are entitled to a number of services. State pension from the age of 68 = £134.25 a week. From 60 people are able to get a free bus pass. Older people are entitled to many NHS services who have specific needs

Question 12

Evaluation of the impact of increased life expectancy on public services?

Answer 12

P = as people live longer, there has been the creation of specialised industry
N = costs a lot of money from the tax payer

Question 13

Explain the impact of increased life expectancy on the increase in one-person pensioner households?

Answer 13

Inevitable as people live longer, people will end up living alone. Particularly a problem for women of whom 48% of those over 65 are living alone. Divorce or bereavement.
Those who had children will experience the empty nest process, where adult children have moved out

Question 14

Evaluation of the impact of increased life expectancy on one-person pensioner households?

Answer 14

P = a good sign, people are living longer means there are independent 
N = people are taking up housing space needed for other people

Question 15

Explain the impact of increased life expectancy on the dependency ratio?

Answer 15

The dependency ratio refers to the number of people in paid employment compared to those who are not. Those above the retirement age are no longer in paid employment. An ageing population means the size of the dependent population increases

Question 16

Evaluation of the impact of increased life expectancy on the dependency ratio?

Answer 16

P = the govt can increase the retirement age to offset the impact on the working population 
N = a shrinking working population and lengthening life expectancy can have high economic consequences

Question 17

Explain the impact of increased life expectancy on the extended family?

Answer 17

As people are living longer, the extended family has made a return. In fact, the modified extended family. This means families stay connected to relatives via technology. Those of the older population who can effectively using technology as referred to as silver surfers. Better relationships with older relatives. Contributes towards the beanpole family

Question 18

Evaluation of the impact of increased life expectancy on the extended family?

Answer 18

P = having a relationship with older relatives is an enriching experience 
N = can put care responsibly pressures on families