We are continually bombarded with media articles and research about the impact of our ageing population and how it is going to result in higher taxes, over-loaded hospitals and caravan-clogged road networks. So I think it is high time that we closed the door on our dooms-day soothsayers and thought about some of the more positive aspects of an older population (not all of them serious!)…

1. The hidden economics – Figures from the Welsh Assembly Government’s Strategy for Older People show the value and cost savings that many older people are making to the Welsh economy. If those older people who take on caring responsibilities were paid it would cost at least £1 billion a year. Similarly, the value of childcare provided by grandparents is estimated at £259 million a year.
2. Volunteers – Older people are the most likely group to offer their time to volunteer – the value of which has been estimated at £469 million a year. Similarly, Carers UK have argued that if carers across the UK (the majority of whom are older people) downed tools, it would cost the economy a staggering £87 billion annually.
3. Less graffiti – Most graffiti is done at night and older Australians generally prefer ABC’s re-runs of “The Bill” to spraying tags on local fences and walls.
4. Less traffic – Many seniors don’t drive, which has to result in less traffic.
5. Cheaper suburban homes – Many empty-nesters seek to sell and downsize out of their suburban family home where they have raised their families and move to smaller digs elsewhere (retirement communities, apartments, etc). With less demand coming through for larger properties prices have to come down.
6. More re-runs of “The Bill” on the ABC!

Can you add any more suggestions as to the positive aspects of an ageing population?