Japan’s Elderly Population Reaches Record High of 36.25 Million
Japan’s elderly population has reached a historic point, with a record 36.25 million citizens now aged 65 or older, according to the latest government figures. Individuals aged 65 or older now comprise nearly one-third of the country’s total population.
Breakdown by Gender
According to Japan’s Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, women comprise a significant majority of Japan’s elderly population. Approximately 20.53 million females aged 65 or older represent 32.3% of the country’s total female population. In contrast, senior citizen men number around 15.72 million, accounting for 26.1% of the male population.
Future Projections
Japan’s population is poised for a dramatic shift as the number of seniors is expected to reach 34.8% of the population in 2040, once those born between 1971 to 1974 become elderly.
Declining Birth Rate
In February, government data showed that the number of babies born in Japan in 2023 fell to a record low from a year earlier. The figure for babies was down by 5.1% to 758,631. A forecast by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research estimated births in the country to decline to below 760,000 in 2035.
Doubts Revealed
Elderly Population -: Elderly population refers to people who are 65 years old or older. In Japan, there are now 36.25 million such people.
Record High -: Record high means the highest number ever recorded. In this case, it means Japan has never had so many elderly people before.
One-third -: One-third means one part out of three equal parts. Here, it means that out of every three people in Japan, one is elderly.
Female Population -: Female population refers to all the women in a country. In Japan, 32.3% of women are 65 years old or older.
Male Population -: Male population refers to all the men in a country. In Japan, 26.1% of men are 65 years old or older.
Birth Rate -: Birth rate is the number of babies born in a year. In Japan, the birth rate has fallen, meaning fewer babies are being born.
Decrease -: Decrease means to go down or become less. The number of babies born in Japan has decreased by 5.1% from the previous year.