Question

Do you think a graying population is a good or a bad thing for a region?

Answer 1

No, as more people exit the window of fertility (some of whom without children) their life begins to become more dependent on other people. At first it will be small things, but as people reach their 80s, care homes are usually the only place for them. An elderly population means that younger skilled workers are more likely to leave, as they are less inspired in an ageing economy, and they take their talent with them. It leads to population decline, negligence of many industries and almost would have to be supported by a governmental health program. This is why many view immigration as a good thing. As younger people from poorer countries are attracted to high salaries and freedoms, they produce children and begin to fill some of the gaps in birth rate. However, this ultimately leads to cultural dilution in the host country, which many (especially the old) don’t want.