Nowadays, in a significant number of countries there is an increase in life expectancy due to multiple factors, ranging from the development of medicine and ending with the economic growth. While this phenomenon has both advantages and disadvantages, I believe that the benefits outweigh the drawbacks. In this essay, I will discuss both aspects before arriving at a conclusion.
The benefits of increased life expectancy are substantive. One of the most essential advantage is that people will be able to devote more time to family. In adulthood, people have a second opportunity to spend time with beloved children or grandchildren and share valuable experience. For instance, thanks to medicine and a healthy lifestyle, people maintain physical health and mental clarity for longer, allowing them to actively participate in the lives of their loved ones. Furthermore, increased life expectancy reflects progress in healthcare and it is clear why many people including myself, view this phenomenon as a leap in human development.
However, notable drawbacks should not be ignored. The primary concern is that elderly people, on average, require more medical treatment. An increase in their number leads to growth of the healthcare costs and overloads hospitals, creating a shortage of resources. For example, older people are more susceptible to viruses and infections, and treating them requires expensive support, such as ongoing medication, regular checkups and appropriate medications. This leads to a financial crisis and a decline in the quality of services for others.
In conclusion, the benefits of increased life expectancy are of enormous importance to people and outweigh the disadvantages. Progress that has enabled humanity to live longer opens new horizons for the development of both individuals and society as a whole.