uni y Part3: Exam practice ‘ask 1: Model answer The line graph shows three demographic trends in Scotland between 1940 and 2020: birth rate, population grawth rate, and death rate, The bicth rate fitowed a fating trend overall from 2.5 per cent in 1940 102 projected 0.5 rise in 2020. There were briefincreases in the late 1940s and 1960s foliowed by more substantial falls, particularly between 1950 and 1960, The population growth rate followed a very similar trend with a brief time lag, suggesting a strong link between birth rate and poputation rate, The main difference in the two trends was a more substantial rise in population growth between 1945 and 1955. The death rate showed a somewhat different trend. There was a steady fall between 1940 and 1956, followed by a very gradual decline over the next forty-five years. There is expected to be a slight rise over the next decade, presumably as the ‘boom’ generation of 65-75 years previously reaches the end of its life span. Overall, the trends show a declining population in Scotland. Task 2: Model answer People today can expect to live a longer and healthier life than people in the past. People often see retirement as @ time for relaxation and letting go of the stresses of working life. However, many who reach retirement age are more interested than ever in contributing actively to their communities. This essay wilt outline two ways in which this interest can benefit society. Becoming involved in schools is one of the ways in which the life experience of the elderly can be made available to the community. Because families now are often more mobile than in the past, many children do not have regular contact with grandparents. Yet children are often fascinated by stories of life in the past. Inviting local retired people into schools to speak to children can help to maintain a vital link between past and present. Another way in which society can benefit from a more active older generation is by inviting older employees to remain in work part-time. Older people may not want to or indeed be able to do a full day's work; however, thei experience may continue to be valuable to their employers. A good example of this can be seen in one scherne in the UK in which elder employees remained in work as mentors for younger employees. ‘Schools and the workplace are just two of the areas in which those who have reached retirement age can continue to contribute to their communities. As life expectancy improves, the need to maintain an active and socially meaningful life may also increase. Experience suggests that this trend can have benefits for all, not just the elderly, Answerkey 137