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Aging Population In Australia Essay

Decent Essays

There is no doubt that the ageing population is a subject which has attracted much attention of Governments and communities in the world. Even in Australia, it is considered as one of the most crucial challenges which will have to confront in the next 25 years ( Hugo, 2014). Population ageing is defined as a change in the age structure of a country toward older ages. This is the repercussion of many elements such as the declining fertility rate, baby boom period and advanced technology in medical and healthcare extending longevity.While a number of studies have been done into proving this trend having several negative effects, it can be argued that there are many beneficial impacts both on national economy and society. This essay aims to look at the positive influences of older population on the workforce, then the Australian Government Budget, and finally the community. Centers for Disease Control and Preventation (2012) states that the maximum oxygen intake is reduced 30% when aged over 65, therefore, the mature age employees may be slower as well as less productive than the younger workers. However, it is …show more content…

Volunteering is undertaken in both organised and casual ways. Firstly, volunteering through organizations. That provided $5.9 billion to Queensland’s economy in 2004; $3.6 billion from the activities of middle-aged and older people. Australian Bureau Statistics (2007) also stated that volunteer rates were higher among older people who donated money than those who did not (30% compared with 17%). Secondly, volunteering through casual ways. de Vaus, D., Gray, M., & Stanton, D. (2003) said that Australians aged over 65 years contributed almost $39 billion per annum in unpaid caring and voluntary work ( rising to $74.5 billion per year if those aged 55 to 64 years is included) . Therefore, the unpaid work of older people as carers and volunteers saved a huge cost for the

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