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 society 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 higher

Suggestion

the high

cost of living.

This

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

retirement

, they may run out of money in their pension 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,

government

Suggestion

the government

should raise the age of

retirement

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

problem

Suggestion

problems

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

retirement

age is implemented, more and more people will be

in

Suggestion

at

work and

therefore

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 government investing in new technologies in order to create a new field 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

lifespan

Suggestion

life span

may present are financial troubles and joblessness.

However

, these problems should be minimized if

government

Suggestion

the government

increases the

retirement

age and spends wisely in new markets.