Life expectancy is increasing in the developed world. What issues will the society and an individual will face with the aging population. What measures we can take to reduce the impact of aging population?

It is important to consider the impact that the developed world’s increasing life expectancy will have on both societies and their citizens.

This

essay will discuss some of the problems which might arise and propose some ways to mitigate the issues. With regards to individuals, one of the main issues is likely to be the 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 pensions 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 problems are one of 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 at work. With new technologies appear new jobs,

therefore

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

However

, these problems should be minimised if the government raises the

retirement

age and spends wisely in new technologies.