Writing report

Advances in technology have allowed humans to extend our life, and in many areas of the world, life expectancies have increased so high that they affect the average age of inhabitants. Many people argue about the negative and positive aspects of living in such countries. In my opinion, although there are both benefits and drawbacks to this problem, the cost is significantly higher than the upside. There are a number of disadvantages to the governments of countries having an old population, mostly concerning the economy. First, the retired do not contribute to economic growth, but the pension spent on the group hugely decreases the national budget at 15%. This is a big problem, as many congresses, such as the French had to increase the retirement age. Moreover, as the number of old people rise, it is imperative that more hospitals are built to support their ailing health. While the cost to operate a healthcare facility is high, it is unreasonable to charge the elderly exorbitant prices on services and drugs, as many of them rely solely on pensions for their livelihoods. Consequently, as the national budget drops, so does fundings for other public facilities, such as schools and public transports. On the other hand, there are some advantages to having more elderly citizens. One of them is the promotion of culture, especially to the younger generations. The elders have witnessed a time when life was more traditional, and many have learned artisanal crafts to support their lives. This can highly benefit the governments if they support cultural workshops hosted by the elders that aim at youths. Furthermore, it can increase the overall mental health of the population. Communities of the retired people can be formed and the members an mutually support each other, therefore reducing loneliness, one of the most prevalent causes of the decreasing citizens wellbeing. In addition, the community can help the younger generations, as shown in New Zealand, where "the council of elders" eagerly give advices to the young adults, hugely supporting their mental health. In conclusion, although there are a few benefits to having an aging population, it is clear that the drawbacks on society is on a more significant scale and outweigh the advantages.