You should spend about 40 minutes on this task.
Write about the following topic:
Longer life spans and improvements in the health of older people suggest that people over the age of sixty-five can continue to live full and active lives.
In what ways can society benefit from the contribution that older people can make?
Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience.
Write at least 250 words.
It is common knowledge that life expectancy has extended over the past decades thanks to innovation in the medical field and in the healthcare systems. Not only are more people experiencing longer lives but now many of them can also count on an improvement in their general health. This has led to a new social phenomenon: active aging. Up until recently seniors more often suffered from marginalisation and lack of activity. This type of lifestyle can lead to a progressive decline in their mental and physical health. To prevent these situations one of the priorities of society should be promoting active aging among seniors in their community.
Benefits of Involving Seniors:
There are several roles played by older people that society can benefit from. For instance, usually a lot of people over the age of sixty-five are members of volunteering associations that are active in the local territory. These are social actions which pursue the common good, such as helping children to cross the street close to the school, or raising funds for vulnerable families by selling homemade cakes or handmade objects. They have a lot to offer the community from sharing their wisdom and experience to being good role models and teaching good manners. Both seniors and communities can organize groups and events to socialize and express creativity leading seniors to be more active and encouraging a more active community as well. There are many positive benefits of including seniors in a community and having active seniors only benefits everyone.
Health Benefits of Active Aging:
Encouraging active participation of older people in community life can help to build a stronger social net, especially around those who are most in need. By being involved with community activities seniors prevent their own mental and physical decline by staying productive and engaged. By supporting our seniors to be more active we are actually creating more role models for future generations and helping create a better society for all.
Economic Benefits of Active Aging:
All these factors can also lead to an economic interest for the public state. In fact, as people stay in good health for a longer period, the less expenses are incurred in terms of medical and social services.
DISCUSSION:
What activities do elderlies organize or take part of in your community?
What is the role of old people in the moder society nowadays? Which was in the past?
What are some specific ways in which older people can actively contribute to their communities?
How can the involvement of older people in volunteering activities positively impact the overall well-being of a society?
In what ways can the wisdom and life experience of older individuals benefit younger generations and the community as a whole?
Other Discussion Questions:
Can you think of any examples from your own experience where the active participation of older people has significantly enhanced the quality of life in a community?
How might the engagement of seniors in social activities contribute to the development of a more cohesive and supportive community?
Discuss the potential economic benefits that can arise from promoting active aging and the participation of older individuals in community activities.
How can societies create an inclusive environment that encourages the active involvement of older people and values their contributions?
Homework:
In what ways can society benefit from the contribution that older people can make? Give reasons for your answer and include any relevant examples from your own knowledge or experience. Write at least 250 words.
example:
by Silvija Hansone
21.11.23.
Preamble.
The irony of our times is that older people, who were traditionally respected for their wisdom, are now a source of anxiety. When people age and become frail, many think of them as more of a burden than active participants in society. It's important to update old mindsets to reflect that aging is positive and that everyone has a valuable role to play in community and family. We need to appreciate elders and look into what ways society can benefit from their contribution. The question we can ask today is: How can we utilize the wisdom, experience, and care of the entire community from children to adults, and support everyone feeling even more fulfilled and at peace?
The main part.
While preparing these reflections, I read what experts say about this issue. In connection with my experience, I saw three popular directions:
Knowledge and skills sharing
Looking after grandchildren and great- grandchildren
Volunteering
Knowledge and skills sharing.
Older people are rich in years, but they also have a wealth of skills and experiences. For, example, a new company lacks the resources to receive specialized advice. They use the skills of the seniors who pass the time.
In another situation, young people continue the family business. Bread baking, dairy farming, and grain farming are typical in Latvia, which are handed down by the older generations. New family members consider the experience of the previous generation. Older family members are involved in easier work.
Old people have survived many difficult situations in life. Their stories about their lives told with humor can be helpful and reassuring.
Looking after grandchildren and great- grandchildren
No one can imagine what would happen to the world economy if grandmothers and grandfathers around the world did not look after their grandchildren and great-grandchildren. An individual nanny for a child is recognized as better than a kindergarten at a young age. The problem is that the grandparents themselves are socially active and have paid work.
When my granddaughter wasn't in kindergarten, she had a babysitter (nanny). She was a retired teacher and a great asset to our little girl. My summer vacations are spent with my granddaughter. It charges me emotionally and has never been difficult. I always tell her: “The time spent with you is wonderful.”
Volunteering
Healthy and productive senior citizens can make contributions to the societies through volunteering jobs. It is a fact/ It is well known that many public facilities such as local libraries need some people to do volunteering jobs. The volunteers are typically seniors. Many of the senior people love to do these kinds of activities, as they give them a chance to socialise and interact with other people.
If a husband or wife is sick, the other often becomes the patient's companion, as much as possible. The patient is happy at home, not in a nursing home. Family members, neighbors, and social workers help. My sister and I are grateful to our father who stepped in when mom got sick. He also felt very useful.
Summary
Longer life spans and improvements in the health of older people suggest that people over the age of sixty-five can continue to live full and active lives. They can be useful to society in the many different ways that I have discussed above. They are valuable members of the community and families by sharing skills and life experiences, interacting with the young, and volunteering. It's a wonderful thing to witness when everyone is living their full potential. We can all make this happen. It starts with awareness and inclusion.
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