Ageing and Longevity

What is the cost of delaying welfare reforms? Lessons from ageing Japan

Apr 19, 2016

People use wooden dumbbells during a health promotion event to mark Japan's "Respect for the Aged Day" at a temple in Tokyo's Sugamo district, an area popular among the Japanese elderly, September 15, 2014. The population aged over 65 in Japan reaches about 33 million, which is the highest number in the history meaning one out of every four people is 65 or older, according to the government survey.

In an attempt to support an ageing demographic, Japan delayed welfare reform at a significant cost to the young, argues Sagiri Kitao. Image: REUTERS/Yuya Shino

Sagiri Kitao

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