Band 8+: Experts says older people were happier and healthier in the past because they did more exercise and spent more time with family and friends, where as now suffer from loneliness and health problems. what are the cause of this and what are some solutions.

It is believed that the elderly used to be happier and healthier in the past due to the greater extent of doing physical activities and stronger social bonds. Nowadays, many older people face hurdles such as loneliness or health problems. This essay aims to present several causes for this problem and propose some solutions to resolve it.

To begin with, one of the main reasons for this trend is changing family dynamics. The shift from extended to nuclear family structures has resulted in older adults living alone or in elderly care facilities rather than with their children and grandchildren. For example, a recent study conducted by Munich University revealed that 80% of the older population is confronted with isolation. Moreover, because of the proliferation of digital entertainment, such as television and the internet, older individuals might spend hours in front of screens rather than engaging in physical activities. Simultaneously, many physical tasks and chores have been automated, reducing the need for daily physical exertion, which was common in the past. This all leads to a more sedentary lifestyle.

From these causes, there are some proposed strategies to tackle this issue. Firstly, local governments and organizations can create programs that encourage physical activity among the elderly, such as group exercise classes, walking clubs, and recreational sports leagues. They also have to make sure that parks, gyms, and other recreational facilities are senior-friendly and easily accessible. Additionally, there should be policies that allow flexible working hours or telecommuting can help family members to spend more time with older relatives. For instance, in Finland, they passed the Working Hours Act in 2020, which now gives most employees the right to choose where and when they work for at least half of their working hours. This means that they are able to work from anywhere, choose their own schedule easily and have more time for older family members.

In conclusion, the decline in happiness and health among the elderly is mainly due to changes in family dynamics and the thriving development of technology. The government as well as the public has an important role in providing adequate welfare to them to address this problem.