More than 10% of Japan’s population is now aged 80 or older, marking a significant milestone in the country’s demographic challenges, as announced by the government on Monday. The proportion of elderly residents, defined as those aged 65 and above, has also reached a record high of 29.1%, the highest globally. These figures were released by Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications to coincide with Respect for the Aged Day, underscoring the nation’s demographic shift towards an aging population.
Japan’s demographic trends, including a declining birth rate and shrinking workforce, pose serious implications for future pension and healthcare demands amid increasing longevity. The country’s efforts to address labor shortages have included initiatives to encourage seniors and stay-at-home mothers to return to work, resulting in a record 9.12 million elderly workers. Despite these efforts, Japan faces ongoing challenges in sustaining social and economic functions, with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida emphasizing the urgent need for policies to support child-rearing and address the demographic crisis without delay. Similar issues are being confronted by neighboring countries such as China, South Korea, Singapore, and Taiwan, all grappling with low birth rates and societal changes.
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