Geriatric Nation and Redefining The Elderly in Japan

SUMMARYBecause of declining birth rates and an aging baby boom generation, many developed countries, particularly Japan, are becoming aging societies or so-called “geriatric nations”. The current official definition of aged in Japan is “aged 65 years or older”, and this segment of the population has increased recently to make up substantially more than 20% of the population. These population dynamics will result in soaring health care costs, shrinking work forces, and possible collapsing pension programs. Since many of the elderly around the age of 65–75 years are still able to actively work and contribute to society and the remaining life expectancy is substantial, we have recently proposed redefining aged to “aged 75 or older” in Japan. Older workers can remain productive and stay healthy longer. Work participation is beneficial for maintaining and enhancing quality of life among the elderly. A revised definition of the elderly could make a huge and critical impact in terms of maintaining social and economic integrity in a geriatric nation. Survival of a geriatric nation may depend on redefining the retirement age and on transforming human resources practices to attract, accommodate and retain skilled workers of all ages.