In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.

It is important to consider how the developed world’s rising life expectancy will affect both societies and their citizens.

This

essay will discuss some of the issues which might arise

as a result

of

this

trend and propose some ways to mitigate these problems. With regards to individuals, one of the main issues is likely to be the high cost of living.

This

is because as a greater number of people live out more of their lives in

retirement

, they may run out of money in their pension pots and

thus

have to depend on their families for financial support.

For instance

, a man who starts work at 20, retires at 60 but lives to be 100 will have spent only two fifths of his life making money. To combat

this

problem, the government should raise the age of

retirement

. In doing so, people will be better prepared to cover the costs of their extended lives. As for societies, the most pressing

problem

Suggestion

problems

is one of future unemployment. Particularly if the aforementioned measure of raising the

retirement

age is implemented, more and more people will be at work and

therefore

there will be fewer and fewer jobs to go around.

Consequently

, young people especially will find it difficult to break into their desired professions. Dealing with

this

issue involves the government investing in new technologies in order to create new fields of work. With new technologies appear new jobs,

thus

plugging the potential hole in employment. In conclusion, two of the most significant dangers for individuals and societies which a longer life span may present are financial troubles and joblessness.

However

, these problems should be minimized if the government increases the

retirement

age and spends wisely in new markets.