Ageing Population?

[hessian]

I'm unable to equate the statement that we have an ageing population with the large influx of young 'foreigners' and soaring birth rates of recent years. This of us who are aged didn't arrive here yesterday so how come the government actuaries and 'experts' didn't anticipate us?

[pixie373]

The birth rates are constantly declining. Who didn't anticipate this? It's been known about for as long as I can remember.

[Mosaic]

It's been known logically for decades, but was far enough in the future not to worry about. In addition the postulated future was based on the assumption that economic growth would continue at 1960s rates, so caring for an aged population would be no problem, especially as lifespans were based on old patterns. That's why the pension age was 65 / 60 - it was guessed for five years of rapid decline, then death, so no massive cost to the welfare state.

[pixie373]

What exactly can we do about it? The retirement age has been raised. People are expected to put more into pensions and pay for their own care if they can. What else should be done?

[sandyRoe]

Leave old people out on the hillside in Winter?

[vakayu]

The rate at which energy prices are rising sandyroe we will not have to be outside?

[pixie373]

You say that sandy- a GP visiting one of our clients, said to me, "three quarters of our patients are pensioners. All we have to do us stop giving out aspirin and warfarin. That would wipe most of them out in 2 weeks. Problem solved!"
I wasn't impressed.

[vakayu]

Very disturbing pixie,but unfortunately probably very trye.

[vakayu]

sorry typo true.

[sandyRoe]

I find excuses not to go hill walking with my heirs and successors when the weathers inclement.
At my age I can't be too careful. ;-)

[vakayu]

;0) better safe than sorry.

[pixie373]

Give it to them now, sandy and enjoy your walks;-)

[Jeza]

Pixie, what a dreadful thing for a GP to say. I thought they were supposed to be a caring profession.

[pixie373]

So did i, jeza... X

[pixie373]

...although I'm not suggesting he represents all doctors

[slaney]

Not a nice thing to say at all, but not particularly accurate either.
It wouldn't wipe out most of them, just leave a certain percentage more incapicated, and it would take considerably longer than two weeks

[slaney]

*incapacitated*

[pixie373]

I would take your word over his, slaney! Either way, a bit of a worrying attitude.