IELTS Writing Task 2 : Old people
Type : Effect – Solution
People are living longer after they retire. What are the problems? What can be done to solve these problems?
Sample Answer :
These days, many elderly people are living longer into their retirement. The following essay will discuss the associated problems that arise with this trend, and possible solutions to alleviate any serious impacts it is causing.
On the one hand, there are several problems that may arise when elderly people live longer after they retire. Firstly, a larger portion of the population will require financial assistance from the government to sustain themselves for the course of their retirement. This can have an impact on the economy of a country as it requires more tax-payer’s money to provide pensions for retired people. Secondly, as people get older, the risk of sickness and disease also increases. This can have a serious impact on healthcare systems, particularly in countries where they are already under-funded and over-burdened. Again, more money from the economy will need to be directed towards alleviating this issue, which can impact on the funding of important aspects of society.
However, there are several solutions that can be implemented in order to help deal with such issues. These days, in many developed countries, employers are required to make financial contributions to retirement funds on behalf of their employees. These funds help to sustain elderly people throughout their retirement without placing a burden on government budgets. Furthermore, if people are living longer after retirement, then it may mean that they are healthy enough to continue working longer and that governments can increase the retirement age, or allow partial pension payments so that the elderly can continue working part-time if they choose.
In conclusion, although people are living longer after retirement nowadays, there are several solutions that can be implemented to reduce the impacts that this trend is having on the economy.
(288 words)
