IB Geography HL - Case Study - Japan ageing population

Why does Japan have an ageing population?

• High life expectancy of 84

• High number of centenarians

• Excellent health and social care

• Japanese life-style and diet

• Elderly remain active

• Number of registered marriage fell to 12.3%

• Births fell to 840,800 in 2020, lowest since records began

What are the advantages / benefits of an ageing population?

• Pensioners potential customers for leisure products (cruise / golf)

• Large group of older volunteers for childcare / charity

• Pressure for innovation in health care section

What are the disadvantages / issues of an ageing population? (8)

• Inadequate nursing facilities (nursing homes)

• Worker shortages (Depletion of labour force)

• Stagnation - deterioration of economy / trade deficit

• Out migration

• Costly pension funding / healthcare

• Falling demand for schools and teachers

• Reduced demands for certain goods

• Increase in dependency ratio / burden

What percentage of the population is over 65?

29%

By 2055, what is the estimated % of citizens of over 65?

38%

What is the current low fertility rate?

1\.34

What was the low fertility rate in 2002?

1\.2

By what percentage did the population decrease by from 2005 to 2050?

25%

What are the 4 pro-natalist policies put in place to combat Japan’s ageing population?

• Increasing fertility rate - public childcare

• Increasing fertility rate - parental leave

• Importing the solution - immigration

• Fiscal solutions - raising taxes, retirement age