Over the last decade, Japan’s population has aged more and more, to the point where more than a quarter of Japanese were 65 years and older in 2022. Population growth has stopped and even reversed, since it’s been in the red for several years now.

It’s getting old

With almost 30 percent of its population being elderly inhabitants, Japan is considered the “oldest” country in the world today. Japan boasts a high life expectancy, in fact, the Japanese tend to live longer than the average human worldwide. The increase of the aging population is accompanied by a decrease of the total population caused by a sinking birth rate. Japan’s fertility rate has been below the replacement rate for many decades now, mostly due to economic uncertainty and thus a decreasing number of marriages.

Are the Japanese invincible?

There is no real mystery surrounding the ripe old age of so many Japanese. Their high average age is very likely due to high healthcare standards, nutrition, and an overall high standard of living – all of which could be adopted by other industrial nations as well. But with high age comes less capacity, and Japan’s future enemy might not be an early death, but rather a struggling social network.

Replication Data for: Deservingness Heuristics and Policy Attitudes Toward the Elderly in an Aging Society: Evidence from Japan

The share of people aged 65 years and older in Japan stood at ***** percent in 2023. In a steady upward trend, the share rose by ***** percentage points from 1960.

This paper explores how Japan’s aging population impacts the politics of monetary policy. Previous research suggest that the elderly have a variety of distinct policy preferences. Given that elderly voters also have higher voting rates, the rapid greying of the population could have significant effects on distributive struggles over economic policy across much of the developed world. In Japan, aging is advancing rapidly, and the central bank has engaged in massive monetary stimulus to induce inflation, which existing work suggests the elderly should oppose. Analyzing results from three surveys, this paper has three central findings: (1) the elderly tend to have higher inflation aversion, (2) the elderly display some opposition to quantitative easing (QE), and (3) despite such policy preferences, the concentration of elderly in electoral districts has no significant effect on the preferences either of legislative incumbents or candidates. The third finding is attributable to the fact that elderly opposition to quantitative easing is moderated by their partisan identification. Elderly Liberal Democratic Party voters have systematically lower opposition to quantitative easing, likely reflecting that these voters have aligned their preferences with the LDP’s policies.

Japan’s ongoing struggle with rapid ageing is well known. Fertility and migration policies have both been proposed as solutions to Japan’s ageing population. We used stock flow population models to estimate the impact of hypothetical fertility and migration policy interventions on measures of aging in Japan from 2015 to 2050. We evaluated policy models based on the Old Age Dependency Ratio (OADR) they produced at the specified end date. Start dates ranged from 2020 to 2030 to assess the time horizons of individual policies. Fertility policies were found to be highly time dependent and only slowed the rate of increase of OADR. It would require a Total Fertility Rate far above replacement levels to compensate for Japan’s already aged demography. Migration policy was less time dependent. However, such measures would require unprecedented, and ultimately unrealistic, volumes of migration over coming decades in order to reduce Japan’s OADR. Our results suggest that fertility and migration based policy responses will be unable to significantly reduce Japan’s OADR or reverse Japan’s ageing population within the next few decades. Japan should focus on activating its human capital through the prolongation of working lives, increasing participation, and improving productivity within the Japanese labour force to mitigate and adapt to the inevitable effects of ageing populations.

Approximately **** million people in Japan were estimated to be within the age group 65 and over in 2024. This number was projected to ******** until 2040 and then ******* to about **** million by 2120.

Japan JP: Population: as % of Total: Female: Aged 65 and Above data was reported at 29.934 % in 2017. This records an increase from the previous number of 29.446 % for 2016. Japan JP: Population: as % of Total: Female: Aged 65 and Above data is updated yearly, averaging 13.229 % from Dec 1960 (Median) to 2017, with 58 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 29.934 % in 2017 and a record low of 6.270 % in 1960. Japan JP: Population: as % of Total: Female: Aged 65 and Above data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by World Bank. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.World Bank.WDI: Population and Urbanization Statistics. Female population 65 years of age or older as a percentage of the total female population. Population is based on the de facto definition of population, which counts all residents regardless of legal status or citizenship.; ; World Bank staff estimates based on age/sex distributions of United Nations Population Division's World Population Prospects: 2017 Revision.; Weighted average; Relevance to gender indicator: Knowing how many girls, adolescents and women there are in a population helps a country in determining its provision of services.

In 2023, around **** percent of the total population in Japan was aged 65 years and older. Due to a low birth rate and high longevity, people aged 65 years and over were estimated to make up approximately **** percent of the population in Japan by 2070. The share of children below 15 years old was expected to decrease to around *** percent by that year.

BackgroundThe increasing burden of pneumonia in adults is an emerging health issue in the era of global population aging. This study was conducted to elucidate the burden of community-onset pneumonia (COP) and its etiologic fractions in Japan, the world’s most aged society.MethodsA multicenter prospective surveillance for COP was conducted from September 2011 to January 2013 in Japan. All pneumonia patients aged ≥15 years, including those with community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) and health care-associated pneumonia (HCAP), were enrolled at four community hospitals on four major islands. The COP burden was estimated based on the surveillance data and national statistics.ResultsA total of 1,772 COP episodes out of 932,080 hospital visits were enrolled during the surveillance. The estimated overall incidence rates of adult COP, hospitalization, and in-hospital death were 16.9 (95% confidence interval, 13.6 to 20.9), 5.3 (4.5 to 6.2), and 0.7 (0.6 to 0.8) per 1,000 person-years (PY), respectively. The incidence rates sharply increased with age; the incidence in people aged ≥85 years was 10-fold higher than that in people aged 15-64 years. The estimated annual number of adult COP cases in the entire Japanese population was 1,880,000, and 69.4% were aged ≥65 years. Aspiration-associated pneumonia (630,000) was the leading etiologic category, followed by Streptococcus pneumoniae-associated pneumonia (530,000), Haemophilus influenzae-associated pneumonia (420,000), and respiratory virus-associated pneumonia (420,000), including influenza-associated pneumonia (30,000).ConclusionsA substantial portion of the COP burden occurs among elderly members of the Japanese adult population. In addition to the introduction of effective vaccines for S. pneumoniae and influenza, multidimensional approaches are needed to reduce the pneumonia burden in an aging society.

Japan anti aging market size reached USD 7.0 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 11.3 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5% during 2025-2033. The market is driven by the rapidly aging population in the country, the increasing focus on health and well-being, and advancements in skincare technologies, including the development of high-quality skincare products, non-invasive treatments, and innovative ingredients.

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on product and devices and application.

Elder Care Robotics Market Outlook

The Elder Care Robotics market is experiencing robust growth, with a market size valued at approximately USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and projected to reach USD 9.2 billion by 2032, reflecting a remarkable compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 22.4% over the forecast period. Key growth factors driving this market include the increasing aging population worldwide, advancements in robotics technology, and the growing need for efficient healthcare solutions to support elderly care. The convergence of technology and healthcare is enabling innovative solutions that are reshaping how elder care is delivered, making the market for elder care robotics expansive and dynamic.

One of the primary growth factors propelling the elder care robotics market is the demographic shift towards an aging population. With life expectancy rising globally, there is an increasing number of elderly individuals who require care and assistance. This demographic trend is particularly pronounced in countries like Japan, the United States, and several European nations. The demand for elder care solutions that can provide support while maintaining the dignity and independence of the elderly is consequently on the rise. Robotics offers an effective solution by providing assistive technologies that can help elderly individuals perform daily tasks, monitor their health, and ensure safety, reducing the burden on healthcare systems and caregivers.

The technological advancement in robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) is another significant growth catalyst in this market. The integration of AI and machine learning in robotic systems enhances their capability to perform complex tasks, learn from interactions, and adapt to the needs of elderly users. These technologies enable robots to offer personalized care, engage in social interactions, and provide critical health monitoring, making them indispensable tools in modern elder care. Continuous research and development in this sector are leading to the creation of more sophisticated, cost-effective, and user-friendly robotic solutions that cater specifically to the elderly, further fueling market growth.

Moreover, the societal trend towards independent living and in-home care is significantly influencing this market. Many elderly individuals prefer to stay in their homes rather than move to assisted living facilities, a preference that has been supported by advancements in elder care technologies. Elder care robots provide the necessary assistance that allows seniors to live independently with dignity and comfort. These robots can assist with routine activities, provide companionship, and perform health assessments, thereby enhancing the quality of life for seniors. This preference for in-home care is driving demand for elder care robotics, as families and care facilities look for innovative solutions to meet the needs of aging populations.

Regionally, the North American market is a leading adopter of elder care robotics, driven by high healthcare expenditure, technological innovation, and a supportive regulatory environment. The Asia Pacific region is also witnessing significant growth due to its large elderly population base, particularly in countries like China and Japan. Europe is steadily incorporating advanced elder care technologies as part of its healthcare strategy to address the increasing needs of its aging population. The Middle East & Africa and Latin America are emerging markets, gradually adopting elder care robotics as awareness and investment in this technology grow.

Product Type Analysis

The elder care robotics market is segmented by product type into assistive robots, monitoring robots, socially assistive robots, and others. Assistive robots are designed to aid elderly individuals in performing daily living activities such as dressing, bathing, and moving around. These robots are equipped with various features like mobility support, fall detection, and scheduling reminders, which not only enhance independence but also ensure the safety of seniors. With the integration of AI, these robots are becoming increasingly sophisticated, capable of recognizing voice commands and learning user preferences, making them more effective in providing personalized care.

Monitoring robots play a crucial role in elder care by ensuring the health and safety of elderly individuals. These robots are equipped with advanced sensors and cameras that monitor vital signs, detect falls, and alert caregivers in case of emergencies. The demand for monitoring robots is driven by the need for continuous health assessment and th

Longitudinal data set of a nationally representative sample of the population aged 65 and over in Japan, comparable to that collected in the US and other countries. The first two waves of data are now available to the international research community. The sample is refreshed with younger members at each wave so it remains representative of the population at each wave. The study was designed primarily to investigate health status of the Japanese elderly and changes in health status over time. An additional aim is to investigate the impact of long-term care insurance system on the use of services by the Japanese elderly and to investigate the relationship between co-residence and the use of long term care. While the focus of the survey is health and health service utilization, other topics relevant to the aging experience are included such as intergenerational exchange, living arrangements, caregiving, and labor force participation. The initial questionnaire was designed to be comparable to the (US) Longitudinal Study of Aging II (LSOAII), and to the Asset and Health Dynamics Among the Oldest Old (AHEAD, a pre-1924 birth cohort) sample of the Health and Retirement Study (HRS), which has now been merged with the HRS. The sample was selected using a multistage stratified sampling method to generate 340 primary sampling units (PSUs). The sample of individuals was selected for the most part by using the National Residents Registry System, considered to be universal and accurate because it is a legal requirement to report any move to local authorities within two weeks. From each of the 340 PSUs, 6-11 persons aged 65-74 were selected and 8-12 persons aged 75+ were sampled. The population 75+ was oversampled by a factor of 2. Weights have been developed for respondents to the first wave of the survey to reflect sampling probabilities. Weights for the second wave are under development. With these weights, the sample should be representative of the 65+ Japanese population. In fall 1999, 4,997 respondents aged 65+ were interviewed, 74.6 percent of the initial target. Twelve percent of responses were provided by proxies, because of physical or mental health problems. The second wave of data was collected in November 2001. The third wave was collected in November 2003. Questionnaire topics include family structure, and living arrangements; subjects'''' parents/spouse''''s parents/children; socioeconomic status; intergenerational exchange; health behaviors, chronic conditions, physical functioning; activities of daily living and instrumental activities of daily living; functioning in the community; mental health depression measures; vision and hearing; dental health; health care and other service utilization. A CD is available which include the codebook and data files for the first and second waves of the national sample. The third wave of data will be released at a later date. * Dates of Study: 1999-2003 * Study Features: Longitudinal, International * Sample Size: ** 4,997 Nov/Dec 1999 Wave 1 ** 3,992 Nov 2001 Wave 2 ** Nov 2003 Wave 3 Link: * ICPSR: http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/ICPSR/studies/00156

A panel data set for use in cross-cultural analyses of aging, health, and well-being between the U.S. and Japan. The questionnaires were designed to be partially comparable to many surveys of the aged, including Americans'' Changing Lives; 1984 National Health Interview Survey Supplement on Aging; Health and Retirement Study (HRS), and Well-Being Among the Aged: Personal Control and Self-Esteem (WBA). NSJE questionnaire topics include: * Demographics (age, sex, marital status, education, employment) * Social Integration (interpersonal contacts, social supports) * Health Limitations on daily life and activities * Health Conditions * Health Status (ratings of present health) * Level of physical activity * Subjective Well-Being and Mental Health Status (life satisfaction, morale), * Psychological Indicators (life events, locus of control, self-esteem) * Financial situation (financial status) * Memory (measures of cognitive functioning) * Interviewer observations (assessments of respondents) The NSJE was based on a national sample of 2,200 noninstitutionalized elderly aged 60+ in Japan. This cohort has been interviewed once every 3 years since 1987. To ensure that the data are representative of the 60+ population, the samples in 1990 and 1996 were refreshed to add individuals aged 60-62. In 1999, a new cohort of Japanese adults aged 70+ was added to the surviving members of previous cohorts to form a database of 3,990 respondents 63+, of which some 3,000 were 70+. Currently a 6-wave longitudinal database (1987, 1990, 1993, 1996, 1999, & 2002) is in place; wave 7 began in 2006. Data Availability: Data from the first three waves of the National Survey of the Japanese Elderly are currently in the public domain and can be obtained from ICPSR. Additional data are being prepared for future public release. * Dates of Study: 1987-2006 * Study Features: Longitudinal, International * Sample Size: ** 1987: 2,200 ** 1990: 2,780 ** 1993: 2,780 ** 1996: ** 1999: 3,990 ** 2002: ** 2006: Links: * 1987 (ICPSR): http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/ICPSR/studies/06842 * 1990 (ICPSR): http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/ICPSR/studies/03407 * 1993 (ICPSR): http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/ICPSR/studies/04145 * 1996 (ICPSR): http://www.icpsr.umich.edu/icpsrweb/ICPSR/studies/26621

Population, aging rate, community SES indicators, cancer incidence, and death due to cancer in Kanagawa, Japan, 2000–2015.

Japan IPSS: MM: MBR: Age 15-64: Aging Index data was reported at 422.200 % in 2070. This records a decrease from the previous number of 422.600 % for 2069. Japan IPSS: MM: MBR: Age 15-64: Aging Index data is updated yearly, averaging 357.800 % from Dec 2020 (Median) to 2070, with 51 observations. The data reached an all-time high of 422.600 % in 2069 and a record low of 239.700 % in 2020. Japan IPSS: MM: MBR: Age 15-64: Aging Index data remains active status in CEIC and is reported by National Institute of Population and Social Security Research. The data is categorized under Global Database’s Japan – Table JP.G005: 2023 Population Estimates: 2020 Census: National Institute of Population and Social Security Research.

Japan Elderly Care Robotics Market valued at USD 210 million, driven by aging population over 36 million and AI advancements for senior care solutions.

Figure e1-2

Assisted Living Facilities Market Outlook

The global assisted living facilities market size was valued at approximately $250 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around $450 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.5% during the forecast period. This growth is driven by an aging population, increasing prevalence of chronic diseases, and a growing preference for assisted living facilities over traditional nursing homes.

One of the primary growth factors for the assisted living facilities market is the significant increase in the elderly population. As people age, they require more specialized care, which is driving the demand for assisted living facilities. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the global population aged 60 years and older is expected to total 2 billion by 2050, up from 900 million in 2015. This demographic shift is creating a substantial need for assisted living facilities that offer elderly individuals a combination of personalized care and independence.

Another crucial growth driver is the rising prevalence of chronic diseases and disabilities among the aging population. Conditions such as Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, and other forms of dementia are becoming more common, necessitating specialized care that many seniors cannot receive at home. Assisted living facilities provide a solution by offering medical care and support in a residential setting, which can significantly improve the quality of life for those affected by these conditions. Additionally, advancements in healthcare and medical technologies are enabling these facilities to offer more comprehensive and effective care, further driving market growth.

The increasing awareness and acceptance of assisted living facilities as a viable option for senior care is also contributing to market expansion. There's a growing recognition of the benefits these facilities provide, such as social interaction, recreational activities, and a secure environment, which are essential for the mental and physical well-being of elderly individuals. Moreover, assisted living facilities often offer a range of services tailored to individual needs, from personal care and housekeeping to medical assistance, making them an attractive option for families looking for reliable care solutions for their aging relatives.

Senior Care and Living Services have become an integral part of the assisted living facilities market, addressing the diverse needs of an aging population. These services encompass a wide range of care options, from basic assistance with daily activities to more complex medical and therapeutic support. As the demand for specialized care continues to rise, many facilities are expanding their offerings to include comprehensive senior care services that cater to both the physical and emotional well-being of residents. This holistic approach not only enhances the quality of life for seniors but also provides peace of mind for their families, knowing that their loved ones are receiving the best possible care in a supportive environment.

Regionally, North America holds a dominant position in the assisted living facilities market due to the high prevalence of elderly populations, strong healthcare infrastructure, and favorable government policies. The United States, in particular, is a significant contributor to market revenue, with a large number of established assisted living facilities and ongoing investments in the sector. Europe follows suit, with countries like Germany, France, and the UK showing substantial growth due to similar demographic trends. The Asia Pacific region is expected to witness the highest growth rate during the forecast period, driven by rapid urbanization, increasing disposable incomes, and a growing elderly population in countries like China and Japan.

Service Type Analysis

The service type segment in the assisted living facilities market encompasses personal care, medical care, social activities, meals, housekeeping, and others. Personal care services are essential components of assisted living facilities, as they include assistance with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, grooming, and mobility. The increasing need for personal care is driven by the aging population and the growing number of individuals with disabilities who require day-to-day support. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, the demand for personal care services is anticipated to rise significantly.</p&g

In Japan, ** percent of the population was 65 years or older in 2025, underlining the aging population of the country. Among the G7, Japan and Italy had a higher share of people aged 65 years. The United States had the highest share of children and youth between zero and 19 years at nearly ** percent.

According to a projection made in 2023, it was forecast that the number of people aged 65 years or older in Japan would increase from about **** million in 2024 to around ** million people by 2033. By contrast, the number of children, as well as the working-age population, was forecast to shrink in the same period.