People are now living longer. Does this cause any problems for society?
People are now living to a much greater age than they did formerly, at least in the developed world. This increased lifespan has been brought about partly by dramatic advances in medical treatment and diagnosis, and partly by a better diet and improved living conditions.
This sounds like very agreeable news, but this increase in life expectancy is not problem-free. It should be a matter for rejoicing that lives are being prolonged, but, some people as they grow older, fear this possible increase in age. This is because the circumstances of ageing still vary considerably. No one knows how healthy they will be if they live to be very old and this uncertainty can give rise to anxiety.
Some people fear the onset of old age because of the greater possibility of dementia that this can bring. They are filled with trepidation at the thought of being affected by Alzheimer’s disease, a progressive disease that affects their ability to function. your memory, other mental abilities and, eventually, your
The problem is that treatment for diseases of ageing minds does not appear to have kept pace with treatment for physical diseases. Joints that have become damaged and weakened by wear and tear can be replaced surgically. Many cancers, if they cannot actually be cured, can be held in remission by early treatment. However, treatment for Alzheimer’s disease is not yet very successful, although, hopefully, this will change as more research is undertaken and more effective drugs are discovered.
Alzheimer’s can have a terrible effect on the lives not only of those who develop the cruel disease, but also on their careers, often close relatives. In the early stages of the disease, at least, sufferers from Alzheimer’s are aware of what is happening to them and become distressed. Their carers have to watch the virtual disintegration of their loved ones and try to look after them as best they can. It is a distressing time for them.
The increase in life expectancy has also caused problems of a financial nature. People who are very elderly today may have thought that they had made adequate provision for their old age. However, this provision may turn out not to be adequate because they have lived much longer than they expected to do. Also, international recessions may have significantly decreased the value of their savings.
The fact that so many people are living longer has also caused economic problems for governments. Countries which have a state health service are finding it difficult to make ends meet because the cost of looking after the health needs of an ageing population is becoming extremely expensive.
This has to be paid for somehow. However, the ratio of elderly people to younger people has risen greatly in many countries, often because of a falling birth rate. This imbalance means that there are fewer people who are working who can pay taxes to provide revenue for health and other services.
Some elderly people are too frail or too incapacitated to care for themselves or to live in their own homes, even with some assistance. They require the services of a care home, but may not have sufficient funds to pay for this. Some governments have to provide residential care for elderly people in this situation whose families cannot cope.
Obviously, everyone hopes that they will be healthy, both physically and mentally, and able to be independent, financially or materially, when they are old. Sadly, this does not always happen and society must find a way to deal with it.
