By Kamille Q. Cabreza
The number of people between the ages of 65 and older has been steadily increasing worldwide over the past years, a situation that keeps most countries on their toes to maintain a purposeful balance in a community.
Such a rise was attributed to the plummeting birth rates and longer life expectancies brought on by the progressing healthcare systems, technological advancement and effective promotion of a healthy lifestyle.
However, an aging population can significantly affect the workforce, social dynamics and housing demand, among other things. The approach of younger generations toward older people may also be influenced.
A solution-seeking global trend
Developed countries in Asia and Europe, such as Japan, South Korea, China, Italy, Germany and France, are presently dealing with the growth of elderly citizens, as well as the challenges that come with it.
The number of older individuals in Japan has reached an all-time high of 36.25 million, or 29.3% of the country’s population, as of 2024, since the previous record in September 2023.
That’s according to the data from the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, cited by The Asahi Shimbun.
So far, this places Japan as the country with the highest aging population.
Italy followed at 24.3%, with Germany, France, South Korea and China trailing behind at 22.3%, 21.75%, 20% and 19.5%, respectively.
These nations currently grapple with labor shortages due to increasing retirees, declining birth rates, surging healthcare costs, pressure on the pension system, social security strain and economic stagnation.
In order for older people to survive the world’s rapid change, works of developed countries are underway to provide these issues with appropriate responses.
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Beating conflicts with mindful approaches
To solve its labor crisis, Japan is making significant investments in automation and robotics.
The dwindling working-age population is being somewhat offset by technologies like automated factory systems and robot caregivers for the elderly.
Italy’s efforts to combat low birth rates are mostly focused on bolstering existing large families instead of promoting new families or increased reproduction outside of marriage, according to an analysis from the European Observatory on Health Systems and Policies.
The support includes childcare subsidies, tax breaks for families with multiple children, extended parental leave and housing incentives for young couples.
A gradual increase in the official retirement age was one of Germany’s priorities to address its dwindling workforce.
Continued talks are taking place as it aims to raise it higher considering the longer life expectancy.
It also operates a three-pillar pension system: state pensions, which receive funds from payroll taxes; occupational pensions contributed by employers and private pensions.
Keep an open mind to care
Ensuring that aging populations may live with stronger self-worth, security and better livelihood requires a comprehensive strategy that combines engaging community activities, genuine family support and flexible government regulations.
Societies can transform aging into a chance for creativity, intergenerational cooperation and economic upswing by adopting proactive measures.
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