Ageing Population in Europe

Ageing Population in Europe

Introduction

An ageing population is a population experiencing the uncontrollable increase in the number and proportion of people who are advanced in age. Ageing population is considered to be one of the most serious social transformations across the world, which has implications virtually in all the sectors of the community.

Thesis Statement

This research essay aims to analyze the demographic drivers of an ageing population and the socio-economic challenges facing the ageing population. This essay also captures mechanisms initiated to address the socio-economic challenges facing the ageing population, and further provides an analysis of the extent to which the strategies have been viable..

Situation

• In the population of the world, the aged forms 9% of the population (that is 1 in 11 people are above the age of 65), according to the World Population Prospects: the 2019 Revision (United Nations, n.d).
• In Europe, according to the European Commission Report of 2018, the population of the aged stood at 29.6% in 2016 and is projected to will hit 51.2% by 2070.
• In Wales, United Kingdom, 18% of the population were aged over 65 years, which is expected to shot to 26% by 2033.

(Baxter and Boyce, 2010).

• Ageing population has reduced workforce in Singapore.

Chan, A., 2001

Malhotra et al., (2018)

• Increase in dependency on the working population in Singapore

Chan, A., 2001

Malhotra et al., (2018)

Causes of Ageing Population

• Low Fertility Level of a population
• The Mortality Rate
• The Migration rate.

DONALDSON et al., 2015

Grant et al., 2004

Problems

Socio-economic Challenges

1. The ageing population experiences social isolation and exclusion, which affects social cohesion.
2. Associated economic implications of the ageing population has affected the care services that are needed for the population.

• Increases the fiscal expenditure of the government, through financial and healthcare support offered to the old people.

DONALDSON et al., (2015), Feldstein, (2006) and Wenzel, (2014).

Solutions

1. Strategic Healthcare and Care Programs Planning

Proper care planning to ensure maximum participation of the aged in the labor market.

The strategic management of healthcare responses to an ageing population, hence ensuring maximum participation in the labor market.

Scrutton et al., (2014)

Education on proper and healthy feeding programs to ensure fertility.

Scrutton et al., (2014

2. The United Nations Principles for Older Persons

Entails the enumeration entitlements for the aged- relating to independence, participation, care, self-fulfillment, care and dignity.

(United Nations, n.d)

Evaluation  

1. Strategic Plan-considered effective.

Care programs are geared towards ensuring extended and effective stay of the elderly in the labor market, through effective healthcare services.

The healthcare interventions are considered expensive

2. The United Nations Principles for Older Persons-considered effective.

Provides mechanisms of caring for the elderly, fundamentally addressing the emerging social challenges associated with old-age.

Entails a joint approach of all public and private institutions, through the creation of a collaborative framework.

Conclusion

Ageing population is a problem that is facing the whole world, and requires proper mechanism of addressing it. It is associated with various economic and social challenges in Europe and around the world. Both strategic planning mechanisms and the United Nations Principles for Older Persons are suitable in addressing the associated challenges.

References

Baxter, J. and Boyce, S., 2010. The ageing population in Wales: Is Wales equipped to provide its older people with the care and housing services they need?

Chan, A., 2001. Singapore’s changing structure and the policy implications for financial security, employment, living arrangements and health care. Asian Metacentre for Population and Sustainable Analysis.

DONALDSON, J.A., Smith, C.J., Balakrishnan, B., Kadir, M.M. and Mudaliar, S., 2015. Elderly population in Singapore: Understanding social, physical and financial needs.

European Commission (2018). 2018 Ageing Report: Policy challenges for ageing societies

Feldstein, M.S., 2006. The effects of the ageing european population on economic growth and budgets: implications for immigration and other policies (No. w12736). National Bureau of Economic Research.

Grant, J., Hoorens, S., Sivadasan, S., van het Loo, M. and DaVanzo, J., 2004. Low fertility and population ageing: causes consequences and policy options.

Malhotra, R., Bautista, M.A.C., Müller, A.M., Aw, S., Koh, G.C.H., Theng, Y.L., Hoskins, S.J., Wong, C.H., Miao, C., Lim, W.S. and Malhotra, C., 2018. The aging of a young nation: Population aging in Singapore. The Gerontologist, 59(3), pp.401-410.

Rogerson, A. and Stacey, S., 2018. Successful Ageing in Singapore. Geriatrics, 3(4), p.81.

Scrutton, J., Sinclair, D., Watson, J., Hawkins, M. and Chong, A., 2014. Public health responses to an ageing society-opportunities and challenges.

United Nations, n.d: The Ageing

Wenzel, R. (2014). Ageing Populations in Europe: Challenges and Opportunities for the CEB.