EXTRA WRITING 25.

9
Essay topic:

In many countries, the share of elderly people is continuously rising. Do the benefits of
this trend outweigh the disadvantages?

Step 1: Understand the essay question and task requirements.

Question Breakdown:

Topic: The growing proportion of elderly people in several countries.

Task Directive: Do the benefits of this trend outweigh the drawbacks?
Instruction Analysis:

perspective Essay: You must express your perspective on whether the advantages outweigh the
disadvantages.
Balanced Analysis: Before coming to a conclusion, discuss both the positives and downsides.
Clear Position: Throughout the article, state if you believe the advantages outweigh the problems
or vice versa.
Keyword Identification:

The proportion of older persons is growing.

Advantages and downsides.
Impact on society, economics, healthcare, and workforce.
Step 2: Plan your essay's structure.

Introduction
Rephrase the query.
Present a coherent thesis statement that expresses your opinion.
Outline the key points to be discussed.
Body Paragraph 1: Benefits of an aging population
Give extensive explanations and examples.
Body Paragraph 2: Disadvantages of an aging population
Give extensive explanations and examples.
Body Paragraph 3 (Optional for balance or further support)
Additional analysis or counterarguments.
Provide new insights or respond to any counterarguments.

Conclusion
Summarize the major things discussed.
Restate your position clearly.
Give a last thought or recommendation.
Step 3: Generate ideas.
Advantages of a Growing Older Population
Cultural and Historical Preservation
Wisdom and Experience: Older people have a lot of information and life experience that can be
beneficial to younger generations.
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Mentorship: They can mentor and guide young people, promoting cultural continuity.
Economic Contributions
Continued Participation: Many older persons continue to work or volunteer, which benefits the
economy and society.
Consumer Market Expansion: They constitute an important market segment, driving the growth
of businesses such as healthcare, leisure, and tourism.
Family Support
Childcare Assistance: Grandparents frequently offer childcare, which allows parents to work.
Emotional Support: They promote family unity and emotional stability.
Social Stability
Reduced Crime Rates: Older demographics may help to lessen crime rates.
Community Engagement: Increased participation in community events and civic responsibilities.
Demand for innovation in services
Healthcare Advancements: Increased demand can result in advances in medical technology and
healthcare services.
Age-Friendly Infrastructure: Promotes the creation of accessible public areas and transportation.
The disadvantages of a growing older population
Economic Strain
Increased Healthcare Costs: As demand for medical services rises, healthcare systems may be put
under strain.
Pension and Social Security Pressures: Governments may encounter budgetary difficulties in
funding pensions and benefits.
Labor Force Decline
Workforce Shortages: A declining working-age population might result in labor shortages.
Reduced Economic Productivity: With fewer workers, economic growth may stagnate.
Generational imbalance
Tax Burden on Younger People: Working people may have to pay greater taxes to help the
elderly.
Intergenerational Tensions: Competition for resources can produce societal conflict.
Healthcare System Overload
Long-Term Care Demand: There is an increased demand for aged care facilities and services.
Resource Allocation Issues: Focused efforts may result in the neglect of other healthcare sectors.
Innovation Slowdown
Resistance to Change: Older people may be less open to new technology and ideas.
The education and technology sectors may experience a drop in demand for cutting-edge
products and services.
Step 4: Apply Academic Vocabulary.
Advantages of using vocabulary related to aging populations include:

Wisdom accumulation
intergenerational support
Cultural continuity
Economic stimulus
mentorship roles
Social cohesiveness
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Golden age demographic
Lifetime expertise
Consumer Market Expansion
Community engagement
Disadvantages Vocabulary:

Fiscal burden
Increasing healthcare costs
The pension system is under strain and the labor force is contracting.
Demographic imbalance
Dependency ratio
Economic stagnation.
Resource Allocation Challenges
Long-term care demand.
Productivity drop.
Useful phrases and collocations:

"An aging populace presents both opportunities and challenges..."

"The increasing dependency ratio can lead to..."
"Intergenerational wealth transfer may improve..."
"Fiscal pressures on public pension systems..."
"They contribute to cultural richness through..." Examples:

"The wisdom accumulated over decades allows older individuals to offer invaluable insights into
societal issues."
"A higher proportion of elderly citizens can escalate healthcare expenditures due to increased
medical needs."
"The labor force contraction resulting from an aging population may impede economic growth."
"Elderly individuals often play pivotal mentorship roles within communities, fostering
intergenerational bonds."
In Step 5, we cover advanced grammatical structures and complex sentences.

Conditional phrases: "If the government invests in healthcare infrastructure, the challenges of an
aging population can be mitigated."
Subordinate clauses include: "While older adults contribute to cultural preservation, they may
also place a strain on social services."
The Passive Voice: "Resources are increasingly being allocated to elderly care."
Relative clauses include: "Older people, who often possess a wealth of experience, can mentor
younger generations."
Gerunds and Infinitives: "Providing adequate support for the aging requires comprehensive
policy planning."
"To address the economic impacts, governments may need to adjust retirement ages."
Advanced structures:

Emphasize inversion: "Only by embracing the potential of older citizens can society fully benefit
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from an aging population."
Sentences about cleft lips: "What is most concerning is the increasing pressure on the healthcare
system."
Parallel structures promote both economic growth and social cohesiveness.
Modal Verbs for Speculation: "The growing elderly population may lead to innovative solutions
in geriatric care."
Complex conditional statements: "Had the workforce not been shrinking due to aging, the
economy might have grown more robustly."
Idiomatic expressions:

"To be in the twilight years" (referring to the old).

"Silver tsunami" (significant growth in the elderly population)
"An uphill battle" (a difficult task)
Example Sentences with Advanced Structures:

"Not only does the aging population present economic challenges, but it also offers
opportunities for societal enrichment."
"Were the government to neglect these issues, the consequences could be severe."
"What policymakers must recognize is the potential of the elderly to contribute positively."
Step 6: Write the introduction by paraphrasing the question.

"In recent years, many nations have observed a steady rise in the proportion of their elderly
citizens."
Thesis Statement:

"This essay will discuss whether the benefits of this demographic shift outweigh the drawbacks
and will argue that while there are significant challenges, the advantages can prevail with
appropriate measures."
Outline sentence (optional):

"Both the positive contributions of older individuals and the potential economic and social
strains will be examined."
Step 7: Write the Body Paragraphs
Body Paragraph 1: Benefits of a Growing Older Population
Topic Sentence:

"One significant advantage of an aging population is the wealth of experience and wisdom that
older individuals bring to society."
Supporting Points and Examples:

Elderly individuals have a crucial role in preserving tradition and history through mentorship.
For example, they can teach younger generations about cultural heritage.
As a result, communities experience a stronger feeling of identity and continuity.
Economic contributions: Many individuals continue to work or volunteer.
For example, retired professionals could mentor companies or provide consulting services.
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This increases economic activity and information transmission.
Family and Social assistance: Explanation: They offer childcare and emotional assistance.
For example, grandparents can care for grandchildren while parents work.
Result: Increases family stability and lowers childcare expenditures.
Consumer Market Expansion: The elderly are a growing market group.
For example, there has been an increase in demand for senior-specific healthcare, leisure, and
travel services.
As a result, some sectors of the economy experience increased growth.
Useful phrases:

"Furthermore, they serve as..."

"By sharing their lifetime of experience..."
"This not only benefits families but also..."
Body Paragraph 2: Drawbacks of an Increasing Older Population
Topic Sentence:

"Conversely, the increasing proportion of older people can pose several significant
disadvantages."
Supporting Points and Examples:

Economic strain on public resources: Explanation: Increased pension and healthcare costs.
For example, governments may allocate a higher share of their budget to social security.
The result could be a reduction in financing for education and infrastructure.
Labour Force Challenges:
Explanation: A reduced working-age population may result in labor shortages.
For example, industries such as technology and manufacturing face talent deficits.
As a result, productivity and economic competitiveness are likely to diminish.
Healthcare System Overload:
Explanation: There is an increased need for medical services and long-term care.
For example, hospitals may have larger patient loads, resulting in longer wait times.
The result is a strain on healthcare workers and resources.
Intergenerational tensions:
Younger generations may feel burdened by increased taxes.
For example, working people contribute more to social services for the elderly.
As a result, there is increased social friction and lower employee morale.
Useful phrases:

"As a result..."
"This may lead to..."
"Consequently, the economy could..."
Body Paragraph 3 (optional): Addressing Challenges
Topic Sentence:

"However, these disadvantages can be mitigated through strategic policies and societal
adjustments."
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Supporting Points and Examples:

Policy Reforms: Adjusting retirement ages and pension plans.

Example: Encouraging later retirement to maintain experienced people in the workforce.
Result: Lowers the financial load on pension systems.
Promoting Healthy Aging involves investing in preventative healthcare to maintain long-term
health for the elderly.
Example: community exercise initiatives and health education.
Result: Reduces long-term healthcare costs.
Utilizing technology:
Explanation: Using automation and artificial intelligence to substitute for manpower shortages.
Consider robotics in the manufacturing and service industries.
Result: Maintains productivity despite having a lower workforce.
Useful phrases:

"By implementing such measures..."

"Therefore, the potential negative impacts can be alleviated..."
"It is essential that governments..."
Step 8: Write the conclusion.
Summarize the main points.

"In summary, while an increasing elderly population presents economic and social challenges, it
also offers considerable advantages in terms of wisdom, cultural preservation, and economic
contributions."
Restate your opinion:

"I believe that with appropriate policy measures and societal adaptations, the advantages can
indeed outweigh the disadvantages."
Final thought or recommendation (optional):

"Societies should view the aging population not as a burden but as an opportunity to enrich
communities with the wealth of experience that older individuals bring."
Step 9: Review Sample Essay Sections
Introduction Example:

"In many countries around the world, there is a visible trend of a rising number of elderly people
in the population. This demographic shift raises concerns about the consequences for society.
This essay will analyze both the positive and negative elements of this trend, arguing that, while
there are hurdles to overcome, the benefits can outweigh the drawbacks if handled correctly."

Body Paragraph Example:

"One of the primary benefits of a growing elderly population is the profound wisdom and
experience that older people bring to society." They have lived through a variety of historical
events and societal changes, and they may provide unique viewpoints to teach and lead future
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generations. For example, seniors frequently function as mentors in professional contexts,
providing vital insights that improve decision-making and problem-solving. Furthermore, their
participation in community events promotes social cohesiveness because they frequently
volunteer and do civic obligations, which strengthens the fabric of society.

Conclusion Example:

"To summarize, the growing number of older people in many countries presents both
considerable benefits and concerns. While economies and healthcare systems face evident
challenges, the elderly make significant contributions to cultural preservation, economic activity,
and social stability. With good regulations and a shift in cultural attitudes toward valuing the old,
I am confident that the benefits will outweigh the drawbacks, resulting in a more inclusive and
enriched society."