10 ideas that are changing the world: #7 Aging Gracefully.

Facts:
Japan has more than 32,000 centenarians (people who live older than 100 years old)
More than a quarter of the population in Japan is currently 60 years or older
Expected to reach 42% by 2050
By mid-century, the world will have more elderly people than children, says the U.N.
Nations raised retirement ages by as much as 5 years and expanding anti-age-discrimination laws

Opinions:
Aging population worldwide, especially in developed nations like Singapore are receiving more attention nowadays, as nations increase their budget to meet the special needs of the elderly, increasing retirement ages and coming up with plans to solve the problem, such as attracting foreign talents into the country. However, such methods to combat an aging population - being a worldwide phenomenon - have its own restrictions.

I ultimately have to agree that the elderly are becoming more prominent in our society, considering how we'll be in their position sooner or later. From what secondary school students learnt in Social Studies, the elderly contribute plenty to the society, even our economy. They are fully equipped with valuable skills, knowledge and plenty of experience, beneficial to the younger generation. Besides, with many retired, they provide extra hands to help take care of their precious grandchildren, while their parents are out at work, reducing the dependence on unreliable maids and providing comforts that the children are with safe hands. Moreover, we must never neglect the fact that the elderly have great purchasing powers, considering the large amounts of pensions they receive and the amount needed to "fund longer retirements and higher health payments". There are even thriving businesses which specially see to the elderly's needs, such as housing and even "trips for retiree globetrotters". The increasing presence of the elderly in our world have led to the growth of an industry which was rarely tapped into previously.

Not to neglect, an increasing proportion of elderly brings about detrimental effects. A larger percentage of revenue has to be tapped upon to meet the special and additional needs such as improved public facilities and amenities. There is also a greater demand for health care, medical specialists and social services. With an increase in the number of elderly, there will be a demand for nurses to be more learned and specialised in handling old age concerned diseases such as Alzheimier's Disease which occurs more frequently in people aged 65 years old and above. Besides, there will be a great strain on the working adults who find themselves having to pay higher taxes to afford the government's increased revenue usage on elderly-friendly facilities. "There would not be enough able-bodied, young workers to support an infirm, gray-haired population", as mentioned in Time.

Nevertheless, no matter how much difficulties and problems an aging population will bring to the world, we will not sulk at a corner and whine about them. A positive aspect about these old people nowadays are that many of them are even healthier and more productive than the younger generation. Many, even at 92 years old refuse to accept themselves being known as old people, and continue to live life to the fullest, never idling, enjoying every single moment and taking part in community activities, exercising to keep their body fit and healthy to continue functioning for the next decade. Indeed, I'm proud to say that this generation of elderly had changed the stereotypes given to the aged previously. Old people are no longer viewed as useless, unproductive and unhealthy, they are now precious and invaluable resources to any country who has the privilege to have them.