In the Developed World, Average Life Expectancy is Increasing- IELTS Writing Task 2

 In the developed world, average life expectancy is increasing. What problems will this cause for individuals and society? Suggest some measures that could be taken to reduce the impact of ageing populations.

Outline

Essay Type

Problem/solution essay

Introduction

Sentences 1&2 – In recent years, developed countries have witnessed a steady increase in the average life expectancy of populations. The potential challenges posed by an ageing population are inevitable.

Sentence 3 – However, I believe that countries can mitigate the possible adverse consequences by implementing the necessary measures.

Body paragraphs

Paragraph 1 – The major problem with ageing populations is the shrinking workforce which has several consequences.

Paragraph 2 – Solutions to overcome the difficulties have been discussed.

Conclusion

To sum up, there are several problems that are generated by the increase in average life expectancy in developed nations. However, if governments work together with the community to solve these problems, eventually the challenges will be overcome

Sample Essay

In recent years, developed countries have witnessed a steady increase in the average life expectancy of populations. Therefore, the potential challenges posed by an ageing population are inevitable. However, I believe that countries can mitigate the possible adverse consequences by implementing the necessary measures.

A progressively elderly population has several critical implications for society and the economy. The major problem that countries have to deal with is a shrinking workforce which leads to a decline in productivity, increased labour costs, and delays in the expansion of businesses. Furthermore, with workers retiring out of the workforce at an unprecedented rate, governments face an increased burden upon the healthcare system, with chronic diseases and health issues related to senior citizens becoming extremely prevalent.

Several steps could be taken to provide a resolution to the challenges mentioned above. Firstly, governments should introduce a policy of phased retirement and extend the retirement age from 65 to 70 by prompting older workers to continue a healthy and efficacious life. This would also lessen the pressures on the workforce and the economy. Likewise, burdens on the healthcare system could be lessened by augmenting the healthcare budget and supplementing government healthcare with the contribution of the private sector in providing care and support to an ageing population. Lastly, encouraging local involvement in volunteering, care, and artistic activities with the elderly can make them feel included and comforted while having immense social and economic benefits and alleviating some of the problems related to aged populations.

To sum up, there are several problems that are generated by the increase in average life expectancy in developed nations. However, if governments work together with the community to solve these problems, eventually, the challenges will be overcome.

Vocabulary

• Inevitable

Meaning – Bound to happen, unavoidable
Example – After missing the bus, it was inevitable that Megha would be late for her first class.

• Mitigate

Meaning – Lighten or lessen the effects of a situation in order to make it less severe
Example – The government hopes that its latest welfare scheme will mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the country’s economy.

• Adverse

Meaning – Unfavourable or harmful
Example – Lizzie quickly jumped to a conclusion about the gentleman, forming an adverse opinion of him.

• Critical

Meaning – Serious or dire
Example – The rains will have a critical impact upon the lives of numerous people across the country.

• Unprecedented

Meaning – Out of the ordinary or unmatched
Example – The college has seen an unprecedented number of students graduating with a first-class degree this year.

• Efficacious

Meaning – Helpful or effective
Example – The medicine that you recommended was rather efficacious in managing my cold.

• Augment

Meaning – To increase or strengthen
Example – Ravi decided to start tutoring a few students to augment his income and found that he quite enjoyed teaching.

• Resolution

Meaning – Conclusion
Example – The author provided a fitting resolution to the conflict he set up in the earlier chapters.

• Immense

Meaning – Great or massive
Example – The first drops of rain brought immense relief to the parched earth.

• Extend

Meaning – Increase or expand
Example – The school authorities decided to extend the summer holidays by one week owing to the unbearable heat.

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