Use of English

Ageing Societies

Many developed countries are having to come to (0) TERMS with the consequences of ageing populations. As birth rates fall and life expectancy rises, the proportion of older people in society is set to (1) .......... significantly over the coming decades. This demographic shift places considerable (2) .......... on healthcare systems, pension schemes and social services, all of which must adapt to growing demand. At the same time, governments are under pressure to (3) .......... up with policies that will support older citizens without placing an unfair burden on younger generations. One of the main difficulties lies in the workforce. As large numbers of experienced employees retire, employers may struggle to (4) .......... the gap, particularly in sectors requiring specialist knowledge. Some economists argue that raising the retirement age is a practical solution, while others insist that such measures fail to take (5) .......... the realities of physically demanding jobs. Another concern is social isolation, which can have a serious (6) .......... on mental and physical health in later life. Although ageing populations are often presented as a problem, they can also be seen as an opportunity. Older people frequently make a valuable (7) .......... to their communities through voluntary work, childcare and informal support networks. The real challenge is to ensure that societies are properly equipped to (8) .......... with these changes in a fair and sustainable way.