Ageing

Question 1

Why does ageing bring problems? Health and fitness

Answer 1

increase in degenerative diseases (cancers, lung disease, diabetes, arthritis and dementia). The annual cost of caring for people with dementia is expected to double to £47 billion within 20 years.

Question 2

Why does ageing bring problems? Housing

Answer 2

many elderly people have specific housing needs (homes without stars/wheelchair access) and these are not always available.

Question 3

Why does ageing bring problems? Increasing care needs

Answer 3

to meet their needs elderly people may need to move into sheltered accommodation (where they have their own flat but have carers in site for specific needs) or nursing homes.

Question 4

Why does ageing bring problems? Pensions

Answer 4

as more and more people live longer they will claim pensions for a longer amount of time.

Question 5

Why does ageing bring problems? Fewer workers

Answer 5

as the UK’s population continues to age there will be a smaller proportion of economically active and more dependents.

Question 6

Strategies to cope with ageing
Britain:

Answer 6

British Labour government 2009: Launched ‘Building a Society For All Ages’ strategy, offering free NHS checks to people aged 40-70, extra winter fuel payments for the elderly, and collaborating with developers to build suitable homes for older individuals.

Question 7

Strategies to cope with ageing
Sweden

Answer 7

pro natalist policy: Implemented a pro-natalist policy encouraging increased childbirth by offering benefits such as 13 months of paid paternity leave for fathers at 80% of their salary, child benefits for each child, and comprehensive childcare and schooling services.

Question 8

Strategies to cope with ageing
Russia

Answer 8

2007 policy: Introduced a policy providing $11,000 to mothers with more than one child to incentivize higher birth rates. The money could be used for housing, the child’s education, or the mother’s pension.