Question

Why is the percentage of elderly growing in Europe? Use evidence from the text to support your answer and write your response in complete sentences. (10 points reward)

Text:
Except for Japan, the world′s 15 oldest countries are European countries. The five countries with the largest percentage of older citizens are Japan and Italy, Germany, Greece, and Sweden. People are living longer because of improved medical care and a better standard of living. In 1950, the average European lived to be 65. Today, the length of life is 75 years. At the same time, a decreasing birth rate means that there are fewer young people. In 2010, the birth rate – the number of births per 1,000 population – was half of the birth rate in 1950. As the aging population grows and more people retire, great strain is put on the health care and retirement systems.

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Answer 1

The percentage of elderly is growing in Europe due to two main reasons: improved medical care and a better standard of living leading to people living longer, and a decreasing birth rate resulting in fewer young people. As stated in the text, the average life expectancy in Europe has increased from 65 years in 1950 to 75 years today. This improvement in life expectancy can be attributed to advancements in medical care and an overall better standard of living. Additionally, the birth rate in Europe has decreased significantly, with the number of births per 1,000 population being half of what it was in 1950. These factors have contributed to an aging population in Europe, with the world's 15 oldest countries being European. As more people retire and the aging population grows, there is increasing strain on the health care and retirement systems.

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