PiTD-Youthful and Ageing Populations

Geography CORE (Patterns and Change) 

Population in Transitions 

Case Studies

'A country with an ageing population'- Japan. 

Japan's Ageing Population

Japan has an ageing population because the birth rates have fallen and it has one of the world's highest life expectancy's. In fact the islands of Okinawa off Japan's south coast have the highest life expectancy and the greatest percentage of centenarians in the world.

Japan has the highest proportion of old dependents (about 23%) and the lowest proportion of young dependents (about 13%) in the world. It has a total fertility rate of only 1.25. This is well below the replacement rate of 2.1.

Even though the Japanese are working longer, it may have to look outside its borders to prevent future population decline and economic decline. Japan is traditionally a very insular country so allowing large scale immigration would involve huge social and cultural changes.

Centenarian: Someone over the age of 100.

Advantages of Elderly Workers

• Workers will have a lot of experience of the workplace (wide skill base)
• Elderly workers will not take maternity or paternity leave
• Employers probably won't have to pay into a government pension scheme
• Elderly people are often seen as more friendly and approachable making them ideal for the service sector
• Elderly workers can act as mentors for newer staff
• Elderly workers may be more willing to work part-time or flexitime so companies can alter staff to meet demand.
• Elderly workers are often more loyal and seen as been more reliable

Disadvantages of Elderly Workers

• It might be necessary to…