Ageing conversation questions

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One of the biggest challenges facing Europe and the rest of the world in the future is the question of ageing populations. According to the 2008 Demography Report published by the European Commission's Employment, Social Affairs and Equal Opportunities Directorate, for every person currently aged 65 or over, there are four people of working age (15-64). By 2050, however, there will be only two people of working age for every person aged 65 or over.

Increased health care, among other factors, has led to people in developed countries living considerably longer, and more importantly, more healthily than in the past.

• How old is "old"?
• Some people say that "You are only as old as you feel." Do you agree with that statement? Why/why not?
• Many elderly people have mobility problems. What facilities does your state provided to help old people get around the streets and shops? Is there any way these things could be improved?
• When you compare different generations in your family or circle of friends, do you notice that people live longer and in better health now? If so, in what ways is it noticeable?
• Although women live longer than men, it is sometimes claimed that men "age" better than women. What do you think?
• Apart from the obvious benefits of ageing, what do you think is the downside?
• On what things, if any, do you think the old should be expected to advise the young?
• If you see an elderly person on the bus or train do you offer them your seat? Why/why not?
• The neologism "ageism", based on racism and sexism, has been coined to describe the discrimination suffered by older people. In what ways do you think people discriminate against older people?

See also

• Accessibility conversation questions
• Childhood conversation questions
• European Union conversation questions
• Health conversation questions
• Leisure conversation questions
• Retirement conversation questions
• Stress conversation questions