IELTS, TOEFL and PTE Academic Writing Task, the Essay
The Essay Question:
Today due to advanced medicine, people are living longer. Therefore, the number of elders is expected to exceed that of young people. Do the advantages of this development outweigh the disadvantages?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
The Essay
The life expectancy of mankind has witnessed an upswing owing to the great advancement in medicines, coupled with a decline in young people. Without doubt this is associated with merits and demerits.
Firstly, with more aged people living, the market for products used by them simultaneously goes up, thus creating jobs for many. The elderly population extensively consume health supplements, hearing aids, fruits, milk and dairy priducts amongst others. Besides, they often visit healthcare facilities giving them good business. According to the National Sample Survey India, more elderly people tend to be sick vis-a-vis the younger population.
Secondly, the senior citizens are a storehouse of experience, knowledge and wisdom, that is the sine qua non for success at any workplace. The older age group often provide valuable guidance to the newcomers in any sector. They often display great dexterity in solving complex problems at work or home. Additionally, young parents and children gain tremendously from their stories and care.
On the contrary, providing pension to the elderly people no longer productive, can be a huge burden on the government exchequer. To exemplify, four trillion rupees was spent by the government in India in 2018, on pension and related benefits. This is no small amount and could be utilised for infrastructure development projects or setting up industries, for a nation’s development.
In conclusion, it is a fact that the elderly population is growing owing to better medicines, that might overshoot the younger generation. However, according to me, this brings more advantages than disadvantages, notwithstanding the financial responsibility for a government.