Use of English

Ageing Societies

Many developed countries are having to come (0) TO terms with the fact that their populations are ageing rapidly. While longer life expectancy is clearly something to be celebrated, it also brings a number of challenges that governments can no longer afford to (1) .......... . One immediate concern is the growing pressure (2) .......... healthcare systems, which must cope with a rising number of patients requiring long-term treatment and support. At the same time, pension schemes are being placed under considerable (3) .......... as fewer working-age adults are available to contribute. In some countries, policymakers have suggested raising the retirement age, but this proposal has (4) .......... with strong opposition from those who argue that not everyone is able to remain in work for longer. Another issue is the risk of social isolation among older people, particularly when families live far apart. Unless communities (5) .......... steps to address this, the consequences for mental health could be severe. Some experts also point (6) .......... that ageing populations may slow economic growth unless productivity improves. Even so, older citizens should not simply be seen as a burden, since many continue to make a valuable (7) .......... to society through voluntary work, childcare and professional experience. The real challenge lies in designing policies that can (8) .......... a balance between economic reality and social responsibility.