4. People aged over 65 An increase in life expectancy has arisen in HICs, but also more recently in LICs. This is because of… Improved standards of hygiene Improvements in healthcare A better diet Advances in medical knowledge and techniques mean more people survive illness – an ageing population

5. The increase in life expectancy, together with a falling birth rate means that a higher proportion of people are living longer. 2000 – several of the most economically developed countries had over 16% of their population aged over 65. Japan had more people aged over 65 than those aged under 15. The proportion of over 65s is expected to rise to over 35% of the total population in Italy by 2050.

6. OpportunitiesIssues People are living longer and enjoying longer fuller, healthier lives - this is a massive benefit. Older people could be given the choice to work longer. They could then use the benefit of their experience and knowledge to fully benefit society. For far too long older people have been undervalued in modern society. Younger retired people contribute lots to the economy. They have reasonable amounts of money and lots of leisure time hence are good consumers. We have already seen the rise of the "silver surfer", older people who surf the internet! Many retired people do voluntary work in schools and for charities that is essential work but done for FREE. Many retired grandparents are now fulfilling child care roles for their grandchildren as the cost of child care rises. This vital role unifies the extended family and allows parents to work and contribute to the economy. The increasing number of very old people has put a strain on healthcare services and social care services. Health care is in ever increasing demand in the UK and it is proven that the elderly visit their doctor more often and have more home visits. They also occupy hospital beds for longer. The government of a country has to find money to pay for this care. Pensions crisis whereby there is not enough money to cover the increasing pension demands of a population. In the UK the wages of the current generation pay the pensions, but with decreasing numbers of young and working age and increasing numbers of elderly it will become more and more expensive to pay for this. Already the UK government has brought women's pensionable age in line with men's at 65, and this will rise to 67 over time. The bill for social care is also increasing as the elderly often need care for feeding, bathing, collecting vital items etc. Maintaining a dignified quality of life for our elderly is also a big moral issue. Less people of working age means a lower number of workers so the economy shrinks and the Tax base of the country also shrinks.