|
|
This is only a preview of the paper
Click here to register and get the full text.
Existing members click here to login
|
|
|
The Impact of the Ageing Population on the Australian Economy
“Population Ageing” means that there are proportionately more people in older age groups within a population. ... In 1870, 42% of Australia’s population were aged less than 15years and 2% were aged 65 years and over. Therefore, ageing is not a new phenomenon. ... Ageing has recently emerged as an issue because fertility and mortality rates have both fallen since the mid 1970’s to a much greater extent than ever expected in Australia. As birth and death rates have fallen in Australia, the speed and the future level of population ageing have increased sharply. ... Therefore, the problem Australia is facing over the decades is not so much that of providing for an increasing population, rather dealing with the problems associated with a labour market shortage. We are better off having a growing, vibrant and young work force, as opposed to an ageing, shrinking one.
Population ageing has implications for individuals and families, communities and governments. ... Ageing will bring a range of challenges, however the impact of these on our society can be counteracted by changes in the economy, changes in behaviour and changes in policies. ... However the budget costs of population ageing could be lowered, by reducing the amount of early retirees and by requiring individuals to pre-fund part of the costs of their long-term aged care. ... Ageing of the population could lead to many social changes, such as increased rates of females in the workforce and changes in traditional family structures.
Now we have pinpointed what the problem is, we must wonder, what has caused this “Ageing Population”? First we must note that changes in population size and structure have been taking place ever since the human race first occupied the planet. Population growth remains quite important today, however the emphasis has shifted towards focusing on achieving a rate of population expansion which is optimal because of its long run implications for natural resource availability and the related issue of economic sustainability. The issue of population ageing has become a focus of attention in Australia, as in many countries, not so much as a trend which should be studied and understood, but more as an issue which must be addressed.
“Rapid demographic transitions caused by rising life expectancy and declining fertility mean that the proportion of old people in the general population is growing rapidly. ... 9% of Australia’s population, however in 2050 it is anticipated that 24.1% of the population will be over 65. ...
The minister for aged care, appointed by the Prime Minister, has the task of developing a long term approach to ageing through a National Strategy for an Ageing Australia. ... However the total impact of increased immigration on the Australian society would place a greater strain on the economy and is therefore not a solution favoured by the government.
Approximate Word count = 2283
Approximate Pages = 9.1
(250 words per page double spaced)
|
|
|
|
|
|