The Problems of Aging|人口老龄化问题

The Problems of Aging

　　Birthdays when children are young are great times because of the excitement on kids' faces with all the singing, eating fancy cakes, and ripping wrapping paper off presents. Most people are excited to turn 18 because this signals the end of childhood. At the age of 21, people in the United States have big celebrations because this is the age that they can legally purchase and drink alcohol. As people get older, though, they sometimes hide from their birthdays. The 30th birthday seems to be one that many people are afraid of, not to mention the 40th and 50th, and all the ones in between.

　　These days, with technological and medical advances, people around the world are living longer, and workforces in many places are shrinking. This is especially true in Hong Kong, where one in eight people is over the age of 65 now, but in 20 years, 25 percent will be over 65. There are many challenges for an older population, including ill health and disabilities, as well as the dependency on medical services and the support of the working population.

　　Aging can also bring opportunities. Around 85 percent of the elderly population is projected to be able-bodied and of sound mind, so they can continue to lead active and independent lives. By doing this, they will share their knowledge, insights, and experiences with the younger generations. Instead of becoming a burden on society, they can continue to be valuable assets by serving as consultants, mentors, or volunteers.

 

人口老龄化问题

　　孩子年纪还小的时候，过生日是很棒的时光，因为他们唱着歌、品尝美味的蛋糕、还有拆开礼物的包装纸时，兴奋之情在脸上展露无遗。大多数人满十八岁的时候都很兴奋，因为这表示童年的结束。美国人在年满二十一岁时会有很盛大的庆祝活动，因为这是他们可以合法买酒和喝酒的年龄。然而，随着人们年龄增长，他们有时会隐藏自己的生日。似乎很多人都害怕过三十岁生日，更不用说是四十岁、五十岁，还有这中间所有的生日了。

　　近来，随着科技和医学的进步，世界各地的人们活得更久了，而在很多地方的劳动力正在萎缩中。这种情形在香港尤其明显，香港现在每八个人之中就有一个人超过六十五岁，而在二十年内，将会有百分之二十五的人口超过六十五岁。人口老化会带来许多的挑战，包括健康欠佳、残疾、以及对医疗服务的依赖与劳动人口的支撑。

　　人口老化也可能会带来转机。预估大约有百分之八十五的老年人拥有健全的身体与心智，因此他们可以继续过着自主而独立的生活。藉由这么做，他们可以与年轻一代分享他们的知识、见解和经验。他们可以继续透过担任顾问、人生导师，或是志工而成为有价值的人，而非变成社会的负担。