For a named country which you have studied, describe the problems caused by an ageing population.

Name of country: Japan 

Japan has a population of 127 million and roughly 23% are over the age of 65 and this huge proportion can prove to be problematic. In general, the elderly require more expensive healthcare which may put a strain on resources. They will become economically inactive and will have to rely on their family to support them which can become very difficult and stressful for the economically active within a family. It has been predicted that by 2025 there will be two dependents for every three who are economically active. The workforce may also become depleted if so many people are over the age of 65 and youth services, such as schools, may be forced to shut down in rural areas due to a lack of demand. The social aspects of the country may also be affected, particularly for the younger generations.