Issues of Ageing Population

What happens to the median age in an ageing population?

The median age rises as fertility declines and life expectancy remains constant or increases.

What are the main threats posed by an ageing population?

• Increased demand for healthcare 💉

• Strain on pension systems 💰

• Government budgets shift away from transport and education 🏫

• Pressure on the economically active to support retirees 🏦

• Workers leaving jobs to care for elderly relatives 👵👴

What are possible solutions to an ageing population?

• Increased taxation 💸

• Raising the retirement age ⏳

• Encouraging more adventurous lifestyles 🚀

• Promoting healthier lifestyles 🏃‍♂🥗

• Pro-natalist policies to boost fertility rates 👶

What is Japan’s elderly dependency ratio?

33% of the population is over 60 years old.

What is Japan's fertility rate and its impact on schools?

Fertility rate is 1.4%, with only 13% of the population under 15 years, leading to 400 school closures per year.

How has Japan’s workforce changed due to an ageing population?

Japan’s total workforce has stagnated at around 69 million, the number of working-age individuals (15-64 years old) has declined due to an ageing population. This has led to labor shortages, increased reliance on elderly workers, and a rising economic burden on younger generations.

How has Japan’s ageing population affect elderly?

The number of elderly living in care homes and welfare facilities is rising, leading to economic pressure and social changes, reflected in films and books.

Why is expanding immigration not a solution to Japan’s ageing workforce?

Immigration is politically unacceptable, with only 1% of the labour force being foreign. Legal immigration is nearly impossible, with a 1.8% immigration rate seen as a threat to culture and low crime rates.

How is Japan addressing the expected shortage of nurses?

Japan has turned to advanced robotics and heavily invested in automation to compensate for the lack of caregivers.

Advantages of Ageing Populations

Look after grandchildren, and volunteers for charity shops