Band 8 essay sample | Birthrates are dropping in the developed world
The following essay was submitted by one of our students.
The birth rate in most developed countries is predicted to begin to fall over the next 50 years. By 2030 it is estimated that over one third of the population in most developed countries will be aged 65 and over. What effects will these predictions have on developed countries if they prove true? What can be done now to deal with this situation?
Give reason for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Sample essay
It has been predicted that by the year 2030 the population of senior citizens aged 65 and above will account for one third of the total, due to a decline of birthrates. I believe that, if the above prediction comes true, it will have a great impact on the countries’ economy; however, there are measures that can be taken to prevent such a situation from arising.
Modern living has made life quite a struggle. Individuals find it difficult to juggle work commitments and family demands. For example, although weekends are meant for relaxing and spending time with family, most of us use it to catch up with pending work and house chores. Most individuals prefer to have one child or no children at all as a way to overcome their hectic life; thus it is likely that the above prediction will prove true. This is a major problem as it will greatly influence the countries’ economy; income tax earned will be low and productivity and quality of work will decline as the younger generation will be required to work harder to support the elderly and their families.
Strategies need to be put in place in order to overcome the predicted situation. Individuals should be encouraged to have more children by providing incentives such as free education, health and allowance benefits for children. Companies should reduce workload on their employees and discourage the tendency to take work home. This will enable people to spend more time with their families. In my point of view, the above strategies will encourage more people to start a family and increase the overall birthrate.
To conclude, work life balance is necessary for the development of a country. Reducing work load improves performance and quality of work, at the same time enabling a person to have enough time for family, thus eliminating the possibility of the above prediction coming true.
