Practice Tests
IELTS Reading (AC) Task 1 #147

A. The aging population is a global demographic trend characterised by a rising median age and an increasing proportion of older persons in a country''s population. This phenomenon is primarily the result of two factors: declining fertility rates, meaning fewer children are being born, and increasing life expectancy, as advancements in healthcare, nutrition, and sanitation allow people to live longer than ever before. While a longer, healthier life is a remarkable human achievement, this demographic shift presents profound and multifaceted challenges for societies worldwide.

B. One of the most significant impacts of an aging population is on the economy. A shrinking working-age population must support a growing number of retirees, which places immense strain on public pension systems and social security programs. Healthcare systems also face increased pressure, as older adults typically require more medical care and have a higher prevalence of chronic diseases. This can lead to rising healthcare costs and a need to adapt medical services to cater to the needs of an older demographic, such as a greater focus on geriatric care.

C. Labour markets are also affected. A smaller workforce can lead to labour shortages in certain sectors and potentially slower economic growth. However, this also presents opportunities for older workers to remain in the workforce for longer, contributing their skills and experience. To facilitate this, societies may need to adopt more flexible retirement policies, invest in lifelong learning and retraining programs, and combat age-related discrimination in the workplace.

D. Addressing the challenges of an aging population requires proactive and comprehensive policy planning. This includes reforming pension and healthcare systems to ensure their long-term sustainability, promoting healthy aging to reduce the burden of disease, and designing cities and infrastructure to be more age-friendly. Socially, it is also important to combat ageism and foster intergenerational solidarity, ensuring that older adults remain active, engaged, and valued members of society.