IELTS Cambridge 18: Living Longer / An Ageing Population

Around the world, people are now living longer than ever before in the past. Some say an ageing population creates problems for governments. Others believe there are benefits to society having more elderly people.

To what extent do the advantages of possessing an ageing population outweigh the disadvantages?

Analysis

1. It has become increasingly common today for individuals to live longer than they did in past generations. 2. Although many point out that ageing populations hinder a nation economically, I would argue that the benefits for society as a whole overshadow these perceived drawbacks.

1. Paraphrase the overall essay topic.
2. Write a clear opinion.

1. The main reason that many fixate on the negatives associated with an ageing population relates to the financial implications. 2. Governments and companies must both take into account the age of their population and plan accordingly. 3. For instance, Japan has a famously old population that requires the government to make budgetary allowances for better healthcare and shortages in the labor force. 4. The economy more generally in Japan must overcome a shrinking consumer market as young people are more likely to shop, travel, and spend freely. 5. This same situation applies to varying degrees in nearly every country around the world at different moments in their history.

1. Write a topic sentence with a clear main idea at the end.
2. Explain your main idea.
3. Develop it with specific or hypothetical examples.
4. Keep developing it fully.
5. Vary long and short sentences.

1. However, the economic effects of an ageing population are less important than the value of older generations. 2. In most societies globally, young people are more progressive and push society forward. 3. Older generations typically serve as a stabilizing ballast that keeps forward momentum from becoming too chaotic. 4. This can take the form of advice given by elders within families to young people or more broadly across the entire political spectrum of a country. 5. Although this conservatism can feel limiting to younger generations at first, most would admit as they get older that the influence of more experienced and wiser family members was generally positive on an individual and societal level.

1. Write a new topic sentence with a new main idea at the end.
2. Explain your new main idea.
3. Include specific details and examples.
4. Add as much information as you can and make sure it links logically.
5. Keep adding…

1. In conclusion, despite the economic repercussions of older population demographics, I believe that the less tangible benefits for families make this a positive development. 2. Naturally, there are legitimate downsides that must be collectively managed by governments and individuals alike.

1. Summarise your main ideas.
2. Include a final thought.