One of the factors behind the Government of Japan’s rush for a hi-tech upgrade of its healthcare system: the country’s swelling ranks of elderly people. Already, approximately 29 per cent of Japan’s population of 125 million is at least 65 years old. Nearly a decade ago, Japan became the world’s first super-aged society––one in four of its citizens was 65 or older. The country’s low birthrate and long average lifespan ensure that the trend will continue. By 2040, 35 per cent of the country’s population are expected to be 65 or older––including more than 300,000 centenarians.
