Life expectancy has increased due to medical advances, education and improved lifestyles. This was not the case in the past. People lived short lives and died of diseases that are curable today.
A long life is likely to benefit families who have a good relationship with their elderly family members. Grandparents can help a family by looking after their grandchildren and cooking for the family. Living longer will benefit the elderly who will now have the time to enjoy their leisure time and engage in activities they couldn’t do while working such as travelling.
Taxpayers would disagree with this statement as they are the ones who have to pay high taxes to support an ageing population. The costs involved in providing pensions and health care for the elderly are high. In addition, the elderly do not contribute anything to an economy as they do not work. So countries that have an ageing population like Japan are not considered productive and there is a fear that the economy will shrink.
Many people have visions of living forever without considering if they will be healthy enough to enjoy their long life. Unfortunately, living longer means a person is more prone to illness and mental decline so this might not benefit an individual. Although the elderly can provide free childcare they are viewed as a huge cost to the state in terms of maintenance and lack of productivity.
Question taken from Focusing on IELTS Reading and Writing Skills p. 175
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