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      The number of older individuals in the U.S. population has grown in the last five decades and
is projected to continue to grow. Based on a study, employment of workers aged 65 or older has
increased by 116 % in the course of 20 years, whereas employment of workers 70 years or older
has also increased by 118 % . How is the aging of the population of the United States related to
other nations? The proportion of the population aged 65 or older by country is shown in Figure 1.
For instance, Germany, Spain, and Japan all had at least 20 % of their population aged 65 and over
in 2050. In all countries of the world, growth of the population aged 65 and older can be observed
at different degrees.

Figure 1 Percentage of Population Aged 65 or over by Country
      An aging population poses several economic challenges. Compared to the younger
generation, senior workers tend to have higher wages. Seniority-based wage systems for older
workers may make employers more reluctant to hire older people. Therefore, employers may
convince a 55-year-old employee to take early retirement while they are under pressure to cut
costs. Take away pay scales based on seniority, and older employees can become a much more
attractive proposition for companies. Maintaining the services of older employees is very
important.
      Why would company managers hire a 65-year-old worker when a 25-year-old job seeker is
available? There are a few key advantages in hiring old workers. Older workers make good leaders
because they have stronger communication skills and professional networks compared to younger
workers. Secondly, older employees have a solid knowledge with years of work experiences, and are
typically more satisfied with their jobs. They tend to stay longer. In addition, when they have
encountered challenges, they know how to overcome obstacles. Furthermore, many older workers
have an innate ability to coach their younger peers who show an inclination to succeed in the
workplace.
      Old workers can find more jobs if the job markets are not rigid and fixed. Often, they can
be self-employed. Self-employment is attractive for older workers who seek more flexibility
and autonomy. Old workers can be frequently self-employed and build their own companies.
A study by David Storey reported that 70 percent of companies built by people over 55 survived in
Britain, compared to a national average of just 19 percent overall. But whatever pattern of
employment they select, the talents of these “gray workers” will be increasingly recognized in the
coming years.
【題組】21. What is the main idea of the first paragraph?
(A) marketing and sustainability
(B) trend in elderly migration
(C) aging of the global population
(D) old people’s financial status