Many countries faces the challenge of declining childbirth rates, meanwhile the percentage of elderly population rapidly increases. This can be viewed as a negative impact on a lot of factors, while it can be a positive shift.
On one hand, it can be challenging for the healthcare industry and public finances. With the growth of the aging population, the government must allocate a larger proportion of their budget to pensions and medical care, when the working-age population shrinks. That would mean that there won’t be as much payment for the younger generation. This could lead to more unemployment, stress and anxiety, because the elder generation must be looked after by their young descendants, tensions can cause an infertility and therefore the portion of elderly population would continue to rise and the percentage of young people would continue to decline.
However, it can be view from a more positive perspective. The elderly are more active than before nowadays, and they tend to participate more in society issues. Having so much time as a healthy individual beyond retirement age could lead them to take action in mentorship, volunteering and community-building roles. Their wisdom and knowledge can be helpful in building a more sustainable society.
To conclude, the high percentage of aging population can be a negative impact on the country’s economy and healthcare, but can also open new doors to opportunities for social renewal. Promoting active aging accordingly, societies can benefit from it, and turn it into a strength rather than strain.