Ageing Population: Challenges and Solutions
Ali Gunes
University of New York Tirana
According to the research conducted by the United Nations, “the world’s population is
ageing. Virtually every country in the world is experiencing growth in the
number and proportion of older persons in their population” (Ageing,
United Nations, n.d. For further information, see also World Population
Prospects 2022, n.d.). For the United Nations, it is “one of the most significant social
transformations of the twenty-first century”. It affects almost “all the sectors
of society, including labour and financial markets, the demand for goods and
services, such as housing, transportation and social protection, as well as
family structures and intergenerational ties” (Ibid.).
The world's demographic landscape has drastically changed due to the ageing population. Globally, life expectancy has increased due to improved living conditions, healthcare advancements, and lower birth rates. Although this shift in the population represents advancements in healthcare and social development, it also brings several difficulties and drawbacks that need to be considered appropriately and resolved. Subsequently, it is imperative to devise workable remedies to mitigate its adverse effects on the enduring viability of the community.
Before embarking on the solution, it would be beneficial to talk about the negative impact of the ageing population on a particular society.
First, as it has been debated for a while, the ageing population may bring tremendous economic strain to society. As individuals age, they tend to retire from the workforce, leading to a shrinking labour pool. This decline in the working-age population can negatively affect economic growth and productivity. Also, ageing populations typically need increased healthcare and pension expenditures, placing more financial burdens on governments and taxpayers because the aged population cannot contribute to the production and workforce, which brings revenues and economic benefits.
Moreover, as shown by the COVID-19 Pandemic, an older population may strain healthcare systems more. Chronic diseases, diabetes, dementia, Alzheimer's, and Parkinson's diseases are among the age-related health disorders that ageing populations often experience at a higher rate. Therefore, financial resources and healthcare services, such as long-term care and medical treatments, are in higher demand. This puts a tremendous amount of burden on healthcare systems, resulting in resource strain, congested hospitals, and lengthier wait times.
In addition to exerting strain and weight on healthcare systems, the ageing population may raise issues about the viability of pension plans. Pension systems are under pressure as the percentage of older people rises. A smaller cohort of retirees was assumed to be supported by a relatively youthful population in designing many pension schemes. But as more retirees draw from pension funds and fewer working-age people contribute to them, pension systems face sustainability issues. Reductions in retiree benefits or more significant financial strain on taxpayers and governments may follow from this.
Moreover, the ageing population brings about social isolation and loneliness, which can have detrimental effects on mental health and overall well-being. As individuals age, they may experience a loss of social connections due to factors such as retirement, mobility limitations, or the death of friends and family members. Social isolation can worsen feelings of loneliness and depression, leading to adverse health outcomes and reduced quality of life.
Finally, the ageing population may result in intergenerational inequities, particularly regarding resource allocation and public policy priorities. As governments distribute more resources towards addressing the needs of the elderly population, there may be fewer resources available for investing in education, childcare, and other programs that help younger generations. This can create tensions between different age groups and hinder social cohesion.
What may be potential solutions?
Researchers argue that active ageing might be boosted. A population getting older can have certain drawbacks that can be mitigated by encouraging good ageing and encouraging older persons to continue being engaged members of society. This includes programmes that ease social interaction and community involvement, jobs for older people, and initiatives that foster lifelong learning.
Also, governments should refrain from implementing populist policies. However, they need to apply extensive reforms to guarantee the longevity of the healthcare and pension systems in the face of population ageing and its negative consequences. This could entail extending the retirement age, changing the requirements for pension eligibility, introducing healthcare technologies to increase efficiency, and looking into alternate long-term care funding sources despite the opposing views.
Researchers further recommend that an age-friendly environment and infrastructure should be developed to fulfil the demands of older persons, improve their quality of life, and encourage social inclusion. This entails investing in community services, promoting independent living and active ageing, housing options for ageing populations, and accessible transportation.
Finally, encouraging intergenerational solidarity is of utmost importance at a time when urbanisation, capitalist economic system and neoliberal worldviews have disrupted the traditional extended family institution, where the old and the young generations established a strong family bond; they supported each other in all aspects of life; they cared for each other materially and morally, and so on. Thus, promoting intergenerational understanding and solidarity is essential for addressing the challenges posed by an ageing population. Initiatives that ease meaningful interactions between different age groups, such as intergenerational mentoring programs and shared community activities, can help bridge generational divides and foster mutual support and respect.
In summary, although an ageing population poses various obstacles and drawbacks, initiative-taking steps can be implemented to alleviate its adverse effects and capitalise on the possible advantages of demographic ageing. Societies can manage the demographic shift towards a more sustainable and inclusive future by implementing targeted policies and initiatives that support active ageing, reworking the healthcare and pension systems, investing in age-friendly infrastructure, and encouraging intergenerational solidarity.
References
Ageing. United Nations. (n.d.). United Nations.
World Population Prospects 2022. (n.d.).
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