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CHAPTER 3 The Challenges FacingLocal Government—New Approaches to RegionaI Problems—1. Coping with an Ageing PopulationPerhaps the most formidable task facing Japan is how to cope with its ageing population. Statistically, the population ofJapan is ageing faster than anywhere else in the world. In 2003, 19.0% of the population is now age 65 or older, and thisproportion is certain to rise.In comparison with other countries, the estimated number of years required for the percentage of the aged in thepopulation to increase from 7% to 14% (considered the standard indication of an aged society) is 115 years in France andabout 85 years in Sweden, with relatively shorter periods of 40 years and about 47 years for Germany and England,respectively, whereas the figure drops to only 24 years for Japan.This shorter period can be attributed to two main factors. The first is the increased average life-span of the Japanese.This has risen remarkably since 1935 when men had a life expectancy of no more than 46.9 years, and women 49.6. In 2002,life expectancy for men had reached 78.32, and women 85.23 years.The second factor is the reduced birth-rate. In 2002 the average was 1.32—much lower than the 2.08 required tomaintain the present level of population. This will in turn lead to a lower percentage of younger people in the population.The speed of ageing is not the same nation-wide and significant local differences can be observed. For example, thephenomenon is markedly worse in municipalities in depopulated areas which young people have been leaving. In such areasan increasing number of municipalities are reaching ratios of 20% or higher, and some are extremely affected at 40% ormore. These communities are often facing other difficulties such as deteriorating environmental management of forest andfarming areas, collapse of the community itself, and a loss of historical climate or culture. This could threaten the continuedexistence of regional society. Such a collapse could have serious impact throughout Japan, for example flood damagecaused by the decreased water-holding capacity of devastated forest areas.A ring-toss event at the Silver Sports Festival. (Tochigi Prefecture)The following challenges face an ageing society: first, an increased need to build a new social system to match thechanging pattern of family life, and the increased burden on those still employed; second, providing employment for theelderly; third, financial stability and meaningful lives for the elderly; and lastly, the health and care of the elderly.Central and local governments must work closely together to find solutions. Local government needs to developappropriate policies based on changes in the population structure, rather than rely on conventional welfare planning. Suchpolicies should at the very least include measures to encourage an increase in the birth-rate and to provide employmentopportunities for the elderly, as well as to help them lead useful and interesting lives
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