Case study 10: High dependent population in Japan

Question 1

What are the causes of an aging population in Japan? (low death rate)

Answer 1

High average life expectancy (80 for men and 86 for women):

• Healthy diet: High in healthy fats (salmon), Low in sugar, Low fast food (strong traditional food: sushi)
• Rich economy
• 210 doctors per 1000: good healthcare+welfare.

Question 2

What are the causes of an aging population in Japan?

Answer 2

Low birth rate:

• rise in average age at which women have first child (30)
• Decline marriage rate.

Question 3

What are the problems of an aging population at Japan?

Answer 3

Declining workforce: goverment is receiving less income (either decrease services or increase tax) + Companies have to pay higher wages to attract foreign workers.

• More healthcare + pensions needed.
• Shortage in armed forces

Question 4

What are the solutions to Japan’s aging population?

Answer 4

2009: Government begins a plan in order to enable mothers to work while having children to increase income and therefore have more children.
Increased state pension age.
Increased Taxes

Question 5

PSD for aging population in Japan

Answer 5

Tokyo: 1/4 of population is over 65 .