Why policy makers should be concerned about demographic ageing in long term care policy in UK
*** Part 1 : Focusing on the effects of population ageing, then you should focus on presenting demographics that are relevant to the long term care aspects of ageing. First section of your paper should clearly present trends, using quantitative data when possible (use graphs too), to illustrate your argument clearly.
***Part 2 : should focus on your argument in relation to long term care policy challenges and responses to the particular aspect of population ageing you are examining. Focuses on long term care policy consequences of that demographic and the long term care policy approach that you propose to address those challenges.
For this essay, we are looking for critical reasoning and cohesive argumentation around
population ageing and its consequences for major areas of social policy. That is, a critical
analysis of the extent to which population ageing poses a problem for societies, and focused
argumentation on the possible policy responses to the key challenges thought to be
associated with ageing societies. In writing your essay, consider whether demographic factors
are the only factors that policy makers should be taking into account.
Your essay should cover both demographic data on population ageing and the key policy
challenge(s) and approaches you will focus on. It is important that you provide a balanced
structure adequately covering both demography and policy. We expect you to assess the key
demographic trends important for your policy area or areas as well as any alternative factors
that may also have an impact. You are expected to use only empirical/scientific evidence to
support the points you make. The reference list below provides a helpful introduction to the
issues surrounding the policy impact of population ageing. You are, however, expected to
read far more widely around the subject in preparing your essay.
You will be expected to clearly and concisely convey your argument as to why policy makers should be interested in the demography of ageing. The outline should include an analysis of key demographic trends that motivate and lead up to your central argument
Some suggested references
-Doyle, Y., McKee, M., Rechel, B. and Grundy, E. 2011 ‘How to meet the challenge of ageing
populations’, BMJ, 892-894.
-Malley, J, Hancock, R, Murphy, M, Adams, J, Wittenberg, R, Comas-Herrera, A, Curry, C, King,
D, James, S, Morciano, M and Pickard, L (2011). “The effect of lengthening life expectancy on
future pension and long-term care expenditure in England, 2007 to 2032.” Health Statistics
Quarterly. p. 52.
-Martín Martína, José J., Puerto López del Amo Gonzáleza, M. & Dolores Cano García, M., 2011,
‘Review of the literature on the determinants of healthcare expenditure’, Applied Economics,
43, 1, 19-46.
-Pickard, L, Wittenberg, R., Comas-Herrera, A., King, D. and Malley, J. (2012) “Mapping the
future of family care: Receipt of informal care by older people with disabilities in England to
2032.” Social Policy and Society, 11, 533-545.
-Seshamani, M. and A. Gray (2002). “The impact of ageing on expenditures in the National
Health Service.” Age and Ageing, 31, 287-294.
Some recommendations for summative essay
- 1. Focus and argument: It is crucial that your essay identifies a concrete, original argument
that you want to pursue in relation to population ageing and policy responses. It is
important that your essay is built around this original, central argument, and that you use
the literature (scientific theories, empirical papers) to support your argument. You may
have an argument that cuts across both the demographics and policy sections, or you may
have two arguments, one in relation to the demographics section and one in relation to
the policy section. If the latter is the case, the ‘policy argument’ should build up logically
from the ‘demographics’ argument.
- Structure: A key criteria for evaluation is structure, which refers to the coherence of the
paper and the articulation of your argument in a systematic way. It is important to start
by outlining the argument you are putting forward, and use demographic data from
available studies in the country, region or area you are focusing on. Very early in the essay,
often in the first or second paragraph, it is often advisable to state your central argument
which is going to be the pillar around which your ideas in the essay are articulated (not
only the topic, but the central argument you wish to defend). The second part should then
focus on your argument on the policy challenges and responses.
- Policy section: The second part of the essay should focus on your argument in relation to
policy challenges and responses to the particular aspect of population ageing you are
examining. It is important to clarify to yourself before you start writing what your critical
argument is in terms of policy responses. Please remember it is preferable to choose a
policy or a few policy options and go into detail, rather than superficially discussing too
many policy challenges and options.
- References: Please make sure to support your statements with scientific references
(ideally published paper or book chapters). Please have a look at the handbook to make
sure you follow the appropriate referencing style.
