Topic: Salient features of Indian Society.
1) Increase in life expectancy, though desirable, has posed new challenges to the modern world, the problem of ageing populations has become a matter of great concern. Discuss the challenges faced by elderly population.(250 words)
Why this question:
The problem of ageing populations has become a matter of great concern for many countries today. Provisions for pensions and healthcare are straining budgets, leaving very little space for creating new employment opportunities for younger people. Home to over 100 million elderly people and with numbers further expected to increase threefold in the next three decades India has many challenges to be addressed.
Key demands of the question:
The answer must briefly discuss the challenges owing to increased life expectancy, what are the issues being faced by the elderly population and what needs to be done to overcome this challenge.
Directive:
Discuss – This is an all-encompassing directive – you have to debate on paper by going through the details of the issues concerned by examining each one of them. You have to give reasons for both for and against arguments.
Structure of the answer:
Introduction
In a few introductory lines explain the background of the question in brief.
Body
The body of the answer has to capture the following aspects:
- Quote facts showing the changing patterns of life expectancy.
- Discuss what are the issues associated with the elderly population in terms of dependence – economically, socially. abuse by the society, failing health conditions, emotional dependence etc.
- Suggest what needs to be done?
Conclusion
Conclude with way forward.
