A global study done by the United Nations discovered that
elderlies are going towards an alarming time for them due to a more speedily
greying population. For the first time in human history, in 2050, population of
elderlies above 60 years old will exceed children below 15 years old. (Gelineau,
2013) This fascinating fact drew my attention, as although I’m more closely
studying China, I am curious about what other countries are doing in handling
this social issue. I found a loophole that some countries have and don’t:
government welfare. The major things we think about when we think of aging
population are how to take care of them well. It directly affects economy as
taking care of elderlies cost substantial money. If governments are able to
provide good welfare that can sustain their lives and if companies all give
good pensions, the worry would be much less.
The problem is, China, like many other developing countries, are not providing its elderlies with equal or at least some welfare. These elderlies are worried about their short future, only thinking about what they can do to get through old days. They are scared of being sick, because they don’t know how to afford medical care when they have no pension. Seems like they are constantly worried as they age. Steady economies have proven to be better for elderlies, as the fortunate ones are able to get support groups, good environment, material resources, and fewer worries. However, fortunately, the Chinese government are realizing how big this is of a problem to them as it affects China's society and functions, as well as the economy. It requires a balance of population aging and economic developments, as well as strategies to balance both issues (Zhang, Guo, & Zheng, 2012).
The problem is, China, like many other developing countries, are not providing its elderlies with equal or at least some welfare. These elderlies are worried about their short future, only thinking about what they can do to get through old days. They are scared of being sick, because they don’t know how to afford medical care when they have no pension. Seems like they are constantly worried as they age. Steady economies have proven to be better for elderlies, as the fortunate ones are able to get support groups, good environment, material resources, and fewer worries. However, fortunately, the Chinese government are realizing how big this is of a problem to them as it affects China's society and functions, as well as the economy. It requires a balance of population aging and economic developments, as well as strategies to balance both issues (Zhang, Guo, & Zheng, 2012).
References:
Gelineau, Kristen. Global Study: World not ready for aging population. Associated Press. Retrieved Nov 14, 2013 from news.yahoo.com.
Zhang, N., Guo, M., & Zheng, X. (2012). China: Awakening Giant Developing Solutions to Population Aging. Gerontologist, 52(5), 589-596.
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