Challenges of an ageing population

Explain how an ageing population creates challenges for the UK. [6 marks]

Mark scheme (levels-based): L2 (3–4): Describes challenges with some supporting detail. L3 (5–6): Explains multiple interconnected challenges: NHS pressure (over-65s use 40% of hospital bed-days → longer waiting times; greater spending on age-related conditions); social care crisis (165,000 vacancies; underfunding creates a postcode lottery of care quality); state pension costs (~£100bn/year with triple lock; pension age rises politically controversial); rising dependency ratio (fewer working-age taxpayers per dependent → requires either higher taxes or reduced services). Recognises that migration partially offsets workforce shortages.