Implications of an Ageing Society - Term Paper Example

Implications of an Ageing Society Name: Institution: Implications of an Ageing Society Introduction An ageing society is considered as a situation where a country or specific region increases its median population age. This satiation is rather common in more developed countries considering the economically capable situation. The shifting situation across different countries in the 21st century is expected to cause an undesired increase in the number of ageing people. As life expectancy increases in developed countries because of improved health care, a higher standard of living, and falling birth rates, older people make up a higher percentage of the population than ever before (Hoff, 2011). Whether this is considered a dilemma or a positive impact within the society, it is important to consider its implications across different avenues. Arguably, the population in many countries has been associated with two main demographic effects that include increase in longevity and decrease in fertility. Therefore, this discourse aims at determining the constant increase in the number of ageing populations, the implications for the society and the changes that apply to mitigate the condition. Discussion Reasons for Increase in Aging Society The primary cause for the increase in ageing population has often been attributed to the historically declining state of fertility. Demographers have often attempted to identify the reasons for declining states of fertility on the age structure displayed by the people. In various countries, a combination of the increasing life spans and lowered rates of births is propelling the state at which the share of older people is increasing (Hoff, 2011). Among the factors that have caused increased rates of ageing population, the improvement in the quality of life especially in the medical field have caused people to attain unimaginable ages. In less than 30 years, people have experienced longer life spans with decreased levels of births. The valuation by demographers is carried out on stable populations that tend to assume an age-specific fertility and mortality rate that have been constant over the years. The impact of changes in fertility rates on population aging is instinctive compared to the mortality rates. This condition only suffices if everything else remains constant. However, a decline in the fertility rate lowers the size of the most current birth elements virtual to the previous birth cohorts, therefore reducing the size of the youngest age groups relative to that of the older ones (Hoff, 2011). The ageing society has been connected to the demographic conditions in most countries that steers reduced fertility and mortality rates. During the reflective transition is the issue regarding age that is subject to various influences. This transition corresponds with issues such as preventing diseases that are infective especially in the vulnerable locations and catering for the young population. Migration may be a significant factor that has caused increase in the ageing population across different demographic locations. Although immigration slows the rate of population ageing, the migration of the elderly and retirees from diverse countries and return immigrants accelerated the mean population age of this group. Social conditions Arguably, demographers have also associated the increase in the ageing population to a number of social issues and conditions. At the heart of the condition are the effects that have been created by modernization and globalization. More often, it is possible that the women have been exposed to issues such as feminization of ageing and poverty. This situation owes credit to the ancient perception of the role of the women within the society that has increased constantly over the recent years therefore causing an increase in the state of the ageing population. Evidently, the women constitute a significant amount of the ageing population because of gender biasness and isolation. These major conditions have gained popularity within the modern generation that fail to consider the role of the women in a demographical and economical perspective. Allocation of social tasks and job roles has been done without much consent of the women that undermines their role in the society therefore contributing to an ageing society. Social conditions as a contributor to the aging population draw significance through the stratification of classes. The three classes include the upper, lower and middle classes that have constituted the society create relevance for the establishment of an ageing population. The lower class that constitutes the poor and vulnerable experience tougher living conditions compared to the middle and upper classes. This condition is most common in the developing counties that are struggling to achieve recognition within the international realm. Health systems within such areas are often mediocre, substandard, and unequipped to handle the increasing cases of chronic diseases endemic to such populations. Similarly, the access to health information, diagnosis and treatment is higher despite the condition of the people. Because of such reasons, the structure, formation and size of the family change constantly to maintain the health and credibility of the members. Implications for the Society An ageing population holds significant impact for the health care system considering they are among the vulnerable populations. The connection between the healthcare system and the ageing population is seen where the total life expectancy and the health life expectancy needs to be maintained at a constant level. Over the recent years, the number of health programs that have been created to handle the cases concerning vulnerable populations has increased. However, the rate of healthy life expectancy has increased but not enough to achieve total life expectancy. Because of this effect, the government in collaboration with the health care sector will be forced to increase the costs of accessing health care. The use and application of health care and technology play an important role in increasing the costs of medical care. Furthermore, the ageing population requires special and assisted care and with the state of the medical field will be required to meet the costs of the service. Economic implications will become complicated and unattainable if the government in various countries fails to understand the causes and effects of the ageing population. Considering the number of people employed by the government across different sectors has increased, it is likely that they are eligible for pension during retirement (Faruqee, 2002). The concern that has been raised is related to the unprecedented life expectancy that will steer the old dependency ratio. The number of people over state pension age against those within the working age will create an imbalance in the distribution of resources and wealth in the country. Although different avenues have been sought to balance this issue, it is self-evident that sustenance for the aged cannot be pro­vided indefinitely by consecutively still larger numbers of young workers. This increasing population will always overwhelm the resources of the country at the regional and international level. Changes Necessary to Support the Changing Societal Structure The changes that can be employed to support the ageing societal structure include reviewing the social and emotional elements within the society. It may not be possible to eliminate the possibility of maintaining the number of ageing people but it is possible to reduce the effects posed. People who perceive their family and friends to be supportive during time of need may prove a greater advantage while supporting this change. By encouraging, others to have a greater purpose in life and conforming to a value system that corresponds to that of the social world will prove effective while understanding how to approach the ageing society. Moreover, people who have a greater and stronger social network are eligible for increased and better emotional experience. The sense of belonging enables them view the world from a different perspective and become valuable people in the society. Arguably, social spheres have a jurisdiction over cognitive functioning. In respect to this, stronger social networks are at lower risk for morbidity and mortality (Faruqee, 2002). However, the social constructions to steer emotional effect need to be meaningful and positive. How to Achieve Societal Changes Employing cognitive and behavioral emotional regulation strategies that provide a guideline on the methods of approach towards the vulnerable and ageing population will prove effective while trying to achieve change. Considering that such people are unable to engage in emotional regulation, it is important that the family provide such services and an opportunity to adapt to the situation. Similarly, increasing the tax base through ascertaining the population of competent education systems, increased rates of employment to cover the working hours comprehensively, reducing the scope within the informal market and increase the retrenchment and retirement age to offset the imbalance that comes with issuing pension. The incentives necessary to achieve this need to be availed by the government through budgetary allocation for future studies regarding the trends and fluctuations in the number of ageing populations. The healthcare system needs to consider the vulnerable populations and provide timely and cost effective health facilities to reduce the number of patient cases. Effectiveness of Current Changes in Australia and Overseas Initially, Australia was considered one of the youthful countries with about 30% of the population aged below 15 years. However, this increased significantly in the preceding years from about 8% to 13% (Borowski, Encel & Ozanne, 1997). Because of this, some regional areas in Australia draw retirees and tend to experience increased ageing of their populations. To counter this effect, Australia has opened its geographical areas for increased immigration through revising its policies. Arguably, ageing may be considered one of the effective ways to balance the mortality and morbidity rates within the country. Considering that the migrants constitute most of the workforce age, immigration has proven relevant in expanding the workforce sector. Moreover, their ability to ensure a skilled and competent population has raised the scale of productivity within its economy therefore eliminating possible state of increased ageing population. The Australian Government has noted that the young skilled migrants constitute a large aspect of the economy and has invested more in balancing the Australian migration program to occupy double the people. Moreover, the country has increased its immigration every year to maintain the age structure of the country. Conclusion The amplification of the population of adults and elderly people in a country is caused by the decrease in fertility and in mortality rates. Because of low mortality rates and elevated life expectancy, countries may experience a situation of an ageing society. However, it may be caused by a deficit of young people because of a state of waning fertility. In this case, the elderly may increase even if the number of old people does not increase. Population ageing may be caused by demographic changes. Nonetheless, employing strategic changes such as those of Australia may cause a reduction in the ageing society and population. References Top of Form Hoff, A. (2011). Population ageing in Central and Eastern Europe: Societal and policy implications. Farnham: Ashgate. Top of Form Faruqee, H. (2002). Population aging and its macroeconomic implications: A framework for analysis. Washington, D.C.: International Monetary Fund. Top of Form Borowski, A., Encel, S., & Ozanne, E. (1997). Ageing and social policy in Australia. Cambridge, UK: Cambridge University Press. Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Bottom of Form Read More