The proportion of older people in developed as well as developing nations of the
ID: 121881 • Letter: T
Question
The proportion of older people in developed as well as developing nations of the world has been increasing. An aging population creates new economic and social challenges for nations.
Using the South University Online Library or the Internet, research about the economic or social challenges of nations with an aging population. Based on your research and understanding, compare seniors in the U.S. with seniors in another country of your choice. Your comparison should include, but should not be limited to, the following:
Changes in demographics
Family roles and social supports
Advances in technology
Living arrangement
Retirement
Health issues
Explanation / Answer
Compare seniors in the U.S. with seniors in India:
A. Changes in demographics:
U.S: In the year 2050, there will be 83.7 million people in the United States who are 65 years old or older, according to estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau. Today one in three Americans is now 50 or older. By 2030 one in five U.S. residents will be 65 and older. One out of every 8 Americans is considered "old" and represents 12.9% of the U.S. population.
India: India’s older population will increase dramatically over the next four decades. The share of India’s population ages 60 and older is projected to climb from 8 percent in 2010 to 19 percent in 2050.
B. Family roles and social supports:
U.S: In the United States especially more and more elderly adults are choosing to live on their own, with less care. Social Security benefits are the largest single source of money income for the elderly (nearly 40 percent).
India: Despite India’s recent rapid economic growth, the living conditions of a majority of older Indians remain poor. But in this country multiple generations are living together, so all can supporting one another and taking on the care of all members of the family.
C. Advances in technology
U.S: According to newly released data from the Pew Research center the seniors consistently have lower rates of technology adoption than the general public in U.S. Four-in-ten seniors now own smart phones, more than double the share that did so in 2013. Old people in U.S are highly using advances technology, when comparing with other countries old people.
India: When compared with US very less people had an idea about advances technology. It is mainly due to most of the Indian population are living in villages.
D. Living arrangement
U.S: Most adults would prefer to age in place that is, remain in their home of choice as long as possible. In fact, 90 percent of adults over the age of 65 reports that they would prefer to stay in their current residence as they age. Care in the home is provided by a spouse or a child is the most common form of long term care in this country.
India: The traditional support systems from family and community become important to uphold the Indian tradition of respect and care of the elderly. As a result, elderly members of the family have normally been taken care of within the family itself. The family and social networks provided an appropriate environment in which the elderly spent their lives, engaging in religious activities and rearing of grandchildren.
E. Retirement
U.S: There is no set full retirement age in the U.S., but there are a few ages that are significant for retirement purposes. For example, age 62 is the earliest you can claim Social Security retirement benefits and there are also significant events at ages 59-1/2, 65, 66, 67, and 70.
India: According to the central government of India employees retirement age is 60. But in for the state government employees it is 58. Recently Indian government enhance the age limit for retirement of employees in the private sector from 58 to 60 years.
F. Health issues
U.S: Older Americans are in reasonably good health overall, but there are striking differences by age and by race and ethnicity.
Arthritis and hypertension are the most common conditions, at all ages, followed by heart problems. Diabetes, hypertension, and chronic lung disease appear to be somewhat less common.
The government pays for 65 percent of the elderlys medical expenses. The poor use more medical goods and services than the rich and a larger portion of their expenses are financed by the government.
India: The hypertension, diabetes, respiratory issues among major health problems in India. In India access to health insurance is still very limited.
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