Japan Case Study

Question 1

Key facts about Japan’s ageing population?

Answer 1

• By July 2011, Japan had a population made up of 13.1% aged under 15, 64% economically active, and 22.9% elderly.
• Japan has both an ageing and a shrinking population.
• The average age is 45 years, which is the highest in the world.

Question 2

Why is there an ageing population?

Answer 2

• Declining birthrate since 1975.
• Healthy lifestyle.
• Very good healthcare.
• Good and healthy diet low in fat and salt.
• This all leads to a higher life expectancy and the lower death rate.

Question 3

What are some impacts of the ageing population?

Answer 3

• More pensions for the middle-aged population to pay.
• More spread of disease.
• Not enough care or nursing homes.
• Costly healthcare.

Question 4

What are the results of the ageing population?

Answer 4

• In 2011, every 100 workers how to support 60 people.
• In 2011, Japan had a negative growth rate of -0.28. by 2050, the population is expected to go from 127 million to 90 million, and the elderly will make up 41%.
• Japanese people won’t be able to maintain such high standards of living, as dependency rates will increase.
• Some underused and uneconomical services, like schools, have been closed, so some children will have to travel further.
• A shortage of people in the Armed Forces, leaving Japan defenceless. - A shortage of innovative workers has caused high technology companies to stagnate and raise wages to attract foreign workers.

Question 5

How has Japan coped with its ageing population?

Answer 5

• In 2009, the government began a program to enable mothers to remain in the workforce whilst bringing up a child.
• Japanese men are encouraged to share child rearing and household duties allowing mothers to stay in the workforce.
• State pensions have been raised from 60 to 65 year old, and taxes have been raised.
• In 2000, a long-term health care insurance scheme became available, so people could ensure that their medical costs would be cared for in the future.