In many countries, people are now living longer than ever before. Some people say an ageing population creates problems for governments. Other people think there are benefits if society has more elderly people. To what extent do the advantages of having an ageing population outweigh the disadvantages? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.

In many
countries
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countries,
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people
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are living longer
due to
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better healthcare and improved living standards.
While
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an ageing population presents clear challenges for governments, I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages because older citizens contribute economically and socially and can reduce certain public costs. The main disadvantage is financial pressure. As the proportion of retirees rises, governments face greater expenditure on pensions and healthcare.
This
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can force higher taxes or cuts to other public
services
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and may create labour shortages that slow economic growth.
For example
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, several developed countries have increased pension spending and restructured health
services
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to cope with a larger elderly cohort.
Nevertheless
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, the benefits are substantial. Older
people
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possess accumulated skills and experience that can be harnessed in the workforce or through volunteering. Many countries have seen a “silver economy” emerge — businesses and
services
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targeted at older consumers — stimulating job creation.
For instance
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, many retirees remain economically active or create demand for goods and
services
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(the “silver economy”), stimulating certain industries and jobs.
Moreover
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, grandparents frequently provide informal childcare, reducing childcare costs for working parents and enabling higher female labour-force participation. Socially, older adults often volunteer, mentor young
people
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and contribute to community cohesion. Governments can
further
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tip the balance by policy: raising retirement ages, encouraging lifelong training, and incentivising private pension saving
mitigate
Verb problem
to mitigate
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fiscal strain
while
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keeping older
people
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active. With sensible reform, an ageing population becomes an asset rather than a burden. In conclusion,
although
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ageing societies create fiscal and labour challenges, their social capital and economic opportunities — combined with pragmatic policy responses — mean the advantages outweigh the disadvantages.

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task response
State your view at the start and keep one main idea per paragraph so the essay is easy to follow.
task response
Add strong, real examples or data to back up points.
coherence cohesion
Use shorter, simpler sentences to help flow and avoid long, complex phrases.
coherence cohesion
Cut repetition and new phrases; vary words but stay simple.
content
The writer has a clear view and supports it with useful reasons.
coherence
Good use of linking words to show contrast and add ideas.
Fully explain your ideas

To get an excellent score in the IELTS Task 2 writing section, one of the easiest and most effective tips is structuring your writing in the most solid format. A great argument essay structure may be divided to four paragraphs, in which comprises of four sentences (excluding the conclusion paragraph, which comprises of three sentences).

For we to consider an essay structure a great one, it should be looking like this:

  • Paragraph 1 - Introduction
    • Sentence 1 - Background statement
    • Sentence 2 - Detailed background statement
    • Sentence 3 - Thesis
    • Sentence 4 - Outline sentence
  • Paragraph 2 - First supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 3 - Second supporting paragraph
    • Sentence 1 - Topic sentence
    • Sentence 2 - Example
    • Sentence 3 - Discussion
    • Sentence 4 - Conclusion
  • Paragraph 4 - Conclusion
    • Sentence 1 - Summary
    • Sentence 2 - Restatement of thesis
    • Sentence 3 - Prediction or recommendation

Our recommended essay structure above comprises of fifteen (15) sentences, which will make your essay approximately 250 to 275 words.

Topic Vocabulary:
  • ageing population
  • benefits
  • disadvantages
  • advantages
  • experience
  • knowledge
  • contribution
  • economy
  • society
  • healthcare
  • youth employment
  • community
  • intergenerational support
  • volunteerism
  • mentorship
  • increased demand
  • pension costs
  • social welfare systems
  • workforce
  • productivity
  • intergenerational conflict
  • technological adaptability
  • dependency
  • effective
  • skill development
  • employment opportunities
  • intergenerational solidarity
  • communication
  • lifelong learning
  • technological literacy
  • age-friendly
  • social policies
  • infrastructure
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