Advantages And Disadvantages Of Longevity Sociology Essay

Advantages And Disadvantages Of Longevity Sociology Essay The dramatic increase in average life expectancy during the twentieth century ranks as one of societys greatest achievements. While most babies born in 1900 did not live past age 50, life expectancy at birth now exceeds eighty-three years in Japan and is at least eighty-one years in several other countries (United Nations, 2011). Life expectancy is increasing so fast that half the babies born in 2007 will live to be at least 103, while half the Japanese babies born in the same year will reach the age of 107 (Boseley, 2009). It is certain that people are glad to live a longer life since longevity is the pursuit of most humans. However, longevity has also caused a lot of problems to society, such as financial burden, lack of resources and so on. This essay is to discuss both the advantages and disadvantages of the fact that people are living a longer life so that a clear picture of the situation is shown. The advantages of longevity can be seen from both individuals and the society. As for individuals, longevity has always been considered as a kind of treasure and fortune. And wisdom is usually linked with the elder. Death has always been regarded as something frightening and most people want to live a long life. Living longer means one can stay with his or her family longer and enjoy a happy later life. People spend most of their life working and taking care of their family. So it is simple common sense that people deserve a healthy and peaceful old age after the amount of paid work. Some people die without enjoying a pleasant twilight years, which is a great pity. On the other hand, that people live longer provides an opportunity for their children to return the care they have received from parents. As a saying goes, the tree may crave calm, but the wind will not drop and the off springs want to support but for the non-existent families. It is a pain and lifelong regret for many people. With parents living longer, children can have more time to stay with and s how filial respect to them. So longevity helps to promote the harmonious relationship among family members. As for society, longevity allows people to contribute more to the world with their talent and wisdom. So many prominent scientists and scholars and other elites died with regret that they could not accomplish their plan. For example, Zhu Shenghao, a talented Chinese translator of Shakespeares works, passed away at the age of 32 due to illness. If he could live longer, there might be more Chinese versions of Shakespeare and more people could appreciate the Chinese translation art. Another illustration is the early death of English poets such as Byron who died at 36, Shelley at 29 and Keats at 25. All of them are supremely gifted and great treasure to the academia but die so young. When their poems are read by people nowadays in modern time, their rich talent can still raise great admiration. What a pity it is for the world to witness the loss of so many extraordinary talents. Since people are enjoying a longer life now, scientists can discover and invent more, scholars can write more and artists can compose more. Therefore, people living longer can make more contributions to the world. Moreover, business markets can also benefit from the reality that people live longer. Traditionally, it is believed that a person has three major periods of life: childhood, adulthood and old age. However, old age is now evolving into two segments, a third age (young old) and a fourth age (oldest old). Recognition of the older population as a major market for business is beginning, as evidenced by an increasing number of articles about the silver market. Because a great deal of wealth is held by the older population and the number of elders is increasing relative to other age groups, it makes sense for business to design products appealing to the older market, and to direct advertising to them. Consumption by the older population can stimulate the economy. The economic power of older adults also can act as a force to change the ageist stereotypes often perpetuated by advertising (Uhlenberg, 2013). In addition, since old people need to be taken care of, more nursing homes need to be b uilt. This offers more jobs so that the unemployment can be reduced and social stability can be maintained. Thus, it is beneficial to both individuals and the society with people living longer from the perspective presented above. The Disadvantages of Longevity The most obvious disadvantage of longevity people are facing now is the aging problem. The U.N. Population Division projects that people older than age 60 will increase from just less than 800 million in 2011 (11 percent of world population) to more than 2 billion in 2050 (22 percent). That is to say, by 2050, almost a quarter of the world population will be the aged. When walking in the street, one old person out of four will be seen. In a world with low fertility, low mortality, and restricted immigration, countries must deal with the reality of having 20 percent or 30 percent of their populations older than age 65 (Uhlenberg, 2013). The aging population causes a series of problems to the society. First of all, old people have to be taken care of, which leave great burden to their family as well as the society. According to an article published in the journal Corporate Adviser, MGM Advantage calculates the current level of annual household expenditure where the main occupant is aged 75 and over at more than  £6,000. So if someone lived until they were 100, between their 75th and 100th birthday not including inflation, they would need to find around  £400,000 to live. This, combined with falling annuity rates, will lead to more pensioners falling below the poverty line. (Corporate Adviser 2011) Though that people live longer is good news, the fact that should not be neglected is that this has a huge financial burden on people. The great pressure to support old parents may lead to the cracks of relationship between children and parents. There are reports about old people who cannot afford to live in nursing homes and have no child to rely on. So it is the responsibility of t he government to help the old. In developed countries, where acute care and institutional long-term-care services are widely available, the use of medical care services by adults rises with age, and per capita expenditures on healthcare are relatively high among older age groups. Accordingly, the rising proportion of older people places upward pressure on overall healthcare spending in the developed world (Kinsella, Beard and Suzman, 2013). Secondly, longevity does not necessary mean health. The rate of getting illness increases with the growth of old age. In spite of the advances in medical technology, there are still many diseases that cannot be treated efficiently. For example, the prevalence of dementia increases dramatically with age, and the projected costs of caring for the growing numbers of people with dementia are daunting. The World Alzheimer Report 2012 (Alzheimers Disease International, 2012) estimates that the total worldwide cost of dementia exceeded US$600 billion in 2010, including informal care provided by family and others, social care provided by community care professionals, and direct costs of medical care. An Australian study has estimated that around 10 percent of the expected increase in healthcare costs anticipated over the next twenty years will be due to this condition alone (Vos, et al., 2007). In addition, longer life expectancy and lower fertility rate may lead to lack of young working forces. The world with less young people will become less vigorous. And the increasing population is challenging the tolerance of the planet people are living on for most of the resources people are consuming are non-renewable. So it is urgent for human beings to do the best to protect the environment and save energy. Otherwise, longevity will become meaningless if one cannot live with contentment Therefore, longer life expectancy of human beings creates burden to society and environment. However, the problems can be dealt with if people around the world work together. Conclusion Both the advantages and disadvantages of longevity have been discussed in detail above in this essay. Overall, the advantages of longer life span outweigh its disadvantages. It is obvious that though longer life expectancy puts burden on the society and environment, the problems caused can be tackled with the joint efforts made by people and it is urgent for human beings to do the best to save the environment and find out solution to the difficulties caused by the larger and larger population on the planet. On the other hand, the benefits both people and the world can get from the phenomenon of people living longer are irreplaceable and undeniable. It is the truth that longevity is a symbol of civilization and better life.

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolken :: essays research papers

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolken Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit, one of a race of short, timid creatures who live in cozy tunnels and who prefer to keep their lives ordered and predictable. One day, he unexpectedly finds himself playing host to Gandalf the wizard and thirteen dwarves. The dwarves, with Gandalf's help, plan to travel to the Lonely Mountain to recover the treasure that a dragon named Smaug stole from their people long ago. Gandalf has selected Bilbo to be their burglar. The dwarves are not too happy with the wizard's choice, especially when Bilbo faints at the first talk of danger. But Gandalf insists there is more to the little hobbit than meets the eye. Bilbo himself is not sure that he is happy about being chosen burglar. But a part of him does yearn for adventure, and so one spring morning he finds himself setting out for Lonely Mountain with Gandalf and the thirteen dwarves. He does not prove very helpful at first. But then something happens that changes Bilbo's life. He finds a magic ring that makes him invisible, and has several opportunities to use it to rescue the dwarves from danger and imprisonment. They become quite impressed by him, and even rely on him, just as Gandalf foretold. Bilbo and the dwarves finally reach Lonely Mountain, the home of Smaug the dragon. The dwarves send Bilbo down a secret passage to the dragon's lair. Bilbo has more confidence in himself now and not only steals a cup, but manages to hold his own in a conversation with the wily Smaug (not an easy thing to do).Furious that someone has dared steal a piece of his treasure, Smaug attacks the mountainside where the dwarves have their camp. Then he flies toward Lake- town, to punish the inhabitants for helping the dwarves. The people of Lake-town run at the sight of Smaug, but one man, Bard, holds his ground. He kills the dragon with his last arrow and escapes before Smaug falls, smashing the town. Believing the dwarves are dead, an army of men, led by Bard, and an army of elves march toward the Lonely Mountain to divide the treasure. They find to their surprise that the dwarves are still alive. Bard, because he killed the dragon, claims his rightful share of the treasure. When the dwarves refuse to surrender it, the army besieges the mountain. Bilbo tries to end the dispute by stealing the Arkenstone, the piece of treasure most valued by the leader of the dwarves. He gives the jewel to Bard, hoping it can be used to force the dwarves

Business: Organise and report data Essay

Knowledge and Understanding Describe different ways of organising data that has been researchedData is a group of information that is used for lots of different purposes. Data reporting is when data is extracted form of source or many sources and then converted into a certain format which then can be used for a certain purpose. There are lots of different ways to organise data such as tables, charts, graphs, statistics or spread sheets. This data can be used to come to lots of conclusions and make important decisions in the business. So because the data is so important it must be produced in a clear way that meets the objectives and targets of the organisation. Describe different ways of reporting dataThere are lots of different ways of reporting data. Good examples of it being shown is in spread sheets, bar charts etc. When delivering data to other members of staff it can be done verbally or via emails or sit with them face to face and have a one to one meeting. In my work place I only work in the office with one other person (Tracy) so we talk all day and I update her on all my emails etc. Describe the purpose of presenting data to the agreed format and within the agreed timescaleWhen presenting data, it must be presented in a agreed format and must be also within the agreed timescale, this is so then the person that is waiting on it gets it the way that they would like it. For example they might need it in a spread sheet as they might not be able to see any other document. I do a e-shot list of all customers emails and I put them into a spread sheet format on Microsoft excel. I put all the names and emails of customers in a list and once I have completed this I check it over and send it via email over to our marketing manager Stewart. Who then will email all our customers our latest offers and deals.

Free Essays on Unveiling What Is Behind Sylvia Plath’s “Metaphors”

According to Webster’s New American Edition Dictionary a metaphor is a figure of speech which makes an implied comparison between things which are not literally alike (â€Å"metaphor†). We use metaphors constantly to more accurately relay our thoughts and feelings to others by using what is familiar to describe something that may be new or confusing. They often help create a visual image or evoke emotions that adjectives alone cannot. Sylvia Plath’s poem â€Å"Metaphors† consists entirely of what its title suggests: metaphors. This leaves the reader with the duty of discovering what meaning lies beneath these metaphors and what Plath is using them to describe. The many metaphors may seem unrelated and confusing unless one closely inspects the details that reveal their similarities. She never clearly states what she is alluding to, but with examination of this poem, it is possible to conclude that Plath is describing her pregnancy. With the knowledge of what the metaphors depict, we can explore below the surface of the poem and discover what lies much deeper. We know Plath is trying to explicate her new thoughts and experiences as a pregnant woman with the use of metaphors, but how does she really feel about this pregnancy? Plath’s metaphorical choices reveal that she believes her pregnancy has consumed her identity leaving her as nothing more than the embodiment for a developing child. She sees no beauty or miracle in her pregnancy. Rather, it seems that she feels she is fulfilling a duteous task or obligation. Knowing she has no control of the changes her body is experiencing, she surrenders to the pregnancy and does no more than acknowledge the responsibilities that come with it. One fascinating aspect of â€Å"Metaphors† is that its structural foundation is based on the number nine. Not only is the poem nine lines long, but each of those lines consist of nine syllables. Plath even presents herself to be â€Å"a... Free Essays on Unveiling What Is Behind Sylvia Plath’s â€Å"Metaphors† Free Essays on Unveiling What Is Behind Sylvia Plath’s â€Å"Metaphors† According to Webster’s New American Edition Dictionary a metaphor is a figure of speech which makes an implied comparison between things which are not literally alike (â€Å"metaphor†). We use metaphors constantly to more accurately relay our thoughts and feelings to others by using what is familiar to describe something that may be new or confusing. They often help create a visual image or evoke emotions that adjectives alone cannot. Sylvia Plath’s poem â€Å"Metaphors† consists entirely of what its title suggests: metaphors. This leaves the reader with the duty of discovering what meaning lies beneath these metaphors and what Plath is using them to describe. The many metaphors may seem unrelated and confusing unless one closely inspects the details that reveal their similarities. She never clearly states what she is alluding to, but with examination of this poem, it is possible to conclude that Plath is describing her pregnancy. With the knowledge of what the metaphors depict, we can explore below the surface of the poem and discover what lies much deeper. We know Plath is trying to explicate her new thoughts and experiences as a pregnant woman with the use of metaphors, but how does she really feel about this pregnancy? Plath’s metaphorical choices reveal that she believes her pregnancy has consumed her identity leaving her as nothing more than the embodiment for a developing child. She sees no beauty or miracle in her pregnancy. Rather, it seems that she feels she is fulfilling a duteous task or obligation. Knowing she has no control of the changes her body is experiencing, she surrenders to the pregnancy and does no more than acknowledge the responsibilities that come with it. One fascinating aspect of â€Å"Metaphors† is that its structural foundation is based on the number nine. Not only is the poem nine lines long, but each of those lines consist of nine syllables. Plath even presents herself to be â€Å"a...

Cheer essays

Cheer essays Most movies about lesbians and gays show some kind of confusion in their characters, whether it be they themselves or their straight friends and/or family. +But Im A Cheerleader was a corny comedy. *The main characters were confused and unsure about their sexuality; the plot was directly to the point; the humor was corny. I think that the homosexual characters were confused because their family and friends had sent them to a place called True Directions. This is suppose to be like a rehab for alcoholics but instead for homosexuals. True Directions main goal is to convert their nasty homo tendencies into normal heterosexual lives. Right off the bat they are forced to admit that they are homosexuals whether or not they believe they truly are gay. Megan, one of the so-called raging bull dikes is unsure of her sexuality and feelings. Marry, the director of True Directions says Its a long path to righteousness Megan, and its a battlefield of temptation out there and until then you will have to fight. This caused confusion for Megan because she was not yet ready to believe she was a dyke. I mean after all she was a cheerleader. 2 I believe that the plot was straight to the point. All throughout the movie, the True Direction counselors teach/say that homosexuality is wrong. Megan has been told by her parents that if she chooses the gay lifestyle, they cannot condone it, nor will they allow her to remain in their household. There are two counselors for true directions one for the boys and girls. The counselors make them do training activities to help them become heterosexual. Mike, an out-of-drag Rupaul Charles, says If I catch you looking at another man like that, ...

Assignment Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 2000 words - 1

Assignment - Essay Example With this concern, the report will comprise a brief description of the existing problems and their adequate solutions associated with offering quality and evidence based nursing facilities. Moreover, the discussion will also include necessary logistics and resources which are significant to effectively address the problems associated with the nursing facilities for pneumonia patients. Proposed Implementation Plan Method(s) of Obtaining Necessary Approval(s) and Securing Support for Proposal Obtaining effective support from nursing institutions would be the major aspect for the research which would provide adequate and substantial helpful information to accomplish the research objectives. The research aims to integrate evidence based practices with clinical awareness to substantiate the proposed plan. In order to accomplish the research objectives the research has incorporated various elements based on statistical evidence as well as to attain substantial support from the management a nd other associates. The main objective of this proposal is to maintain adequate framework to effectively provide evidence based services for the pneumonia patients. The proposed implementation plan will be presented to the board of directors from various departments as well as to the different management personnel of healthcare facilities. The information will be presented through arranging an assessment program in which experienced board of directors and concerned management personnel will be invited to have a thorough evaluation of the proposed procedural change. Description of the Problem Pneumonia can be considered as one of the major and vulnerable diseases, which creates an inflammatory condition in lungs (Leach, 2010). The disease can be considered as one of the most acute ailments which had killed a large number of children during the year 2008 and there has been considerable number of victims from different age groups across the various nations of the world. Effective vacc ination along with taking useful antibacterial treatment and care facilities can significantly prevent pneumonia from affecting human health (World Health Organization, 2008). A ventilator is recognized as a machine which aids a patient to breathe to providing required oxygen by the use of a tube. Ventilator associated pneumonia (VAP) is identified as a kind of lung infection or a pneumonia which grows in an individual while he/she is receiving life-support through a ventilator (CDC, n.d.). It is observed that VAP had resulted in a number of deaths in the US hospitals over the years. For instance, in the year 2002, an anticipated 250,000 healthcare-related pneumonias were reported in the hospitals in the US. Out of which around 36,000 caused death of the person suffering from this critical medical condition. It is also recognized that patients who are being provided with mechanically-assisted ventilation are at greater danger of getting affected by healthcare-related pneumonia. In t he year 2011, National Healthcare Safety Network (NHSN) had reported in excess of 3,525 VAPs around different healthcare institutions in the US (CDC, 2013). Description of t

Federal Prison Comparison Pape Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1000 words

Federal Prison Comparison Pape - Research Paper Example Ultimately there are fewer violent offenders in federal prisons than state prisons because a majority of federal crimes are non-violent/commercial crimes. State prisons originate from colonial times, and evolved from the prisons that were established to house criminals who offended the laws against the crown (Clear et al, 2011). Between 1900 and 1970 the prison population in the US was moderate, housing from 90 to 120 prisoners for each 100,000 citizens. However, with more than 35 years of â€Å"steady growth† the prison population is currently five times greater than it was in 1973 representing the largest prison population in the country’s history (Clear et al, 2011, p. 6). There have been many attempts to explain the prions population growth in the US. Gaines and Miller (2011) identified a number of contributing factors. The prions population growth in the US can be attributed to the get tough on crime policies that began in the 1980s. The get tough on crime policies introduced a number of strategies that resulted in mandatory imprisonment. One such strategy in a number of states is the three strikes policy which calls for mandatory incarceration for repeat offenders. Another policy is the longer prison sentencing strategies. With fewer prisoners eligible for parole, the prison population grows because new offenders are introduced into the system and few prisoners are released. Another explanation given for the prison population growth is the fact that there have been more crimes as criminals become more sophisticated and technology aids in the commission of criminal activities (Gaines & Miller, 2011). Security State Prisons State prison systems design their own security systems but they are generally the same among the 50 states. The North Carolina Department of Correction provides an example of the security levels in US state prisons. Prisoners enter the prison system from a county jail for the most part. Upon entering the state prison prison ers are assessed for risks and security risks are balanced against the needs of programs. Newly admitted prisoners are evaluated for security risks and are also subjected to medical and mental health evaluations in the risk assessment process. A number of factors including the crime, social demographics, education, job experience, and criminal history are taken into account (North Carolina Department of Corrections, 2011). Once the prisoner’s evaluation is completed he/she is placed in the appropriate â€Å"custodial level†. The custodial levels are classified as close (maximum), medium, minimum 1, minimum II and minimum III. Close of maximum security is a custodial level where inmates assessed to have the highest security risks are placed. Medium security houses prisoners who are at a lower security risk than prisoners placed in close security. Prisoners who pose a low security risk are placed in minimum III (North Carolina Department of Corrections, 2011). Federal Pr isons The Federal Bureau of Prisons (n.d.) lists four security levels in the federal prison system. The four security systems are minimum security, low security, medium security and high security. Minimum security prisons are also referred to as Federal Prison Camps and have â€Å"dormitory housing, a relatively low staff-to-inmate ratio† and â€Å"limited or no perimeter fencing† (Federal Bureau of Prisons, n.d.). Low security prisons on the other hand have â€Å"double-fenced perimeters†