Rising Number of Centenarians Puts Pressure on Pension and Healthcare Systems

The number of people aged 100 or older is rising globally. Japan, a leader in this regard, has surpassed the 100,000 mark for the first time, according to data released by Japanese authorities. This trend reflects both the rapid aging of the population and increased life expectancy, according to CNN.

At the same time, Japan has been facing one of the fastest rates of demographic aging in the world for several decades. Similar longevity-related trends are visible in other parts of the globe, including Australia, Europe, and North America, where the challenges are also similar. The rise in the number of centenarians is occurring alongside a shrinking workforce and declining birth rates. Official data show that women make up the majority of the population aged 100 and over, with a significant disparity between women and men. Authorities are closely monitoring this phenomenon, as increased longevity places pressure on pension systems, healthcare services, and long-term care systems. The growing number of centenarians is one of the most visible consequences of the demographic shifts Japan is undergoing. Meanwhile, the country continues to record low birth rates, which contributes to changes in the population structure. For Japanese authorities, the demographic issue extends beyond the rising number of elderly people. The ratio between the active workforce and the retirement-age population is one of the major challenges facing Japan's economy and social system. Surpassing the threshold of 100,000 centenarians marks a new milestone in the country's demographic evolution, occurring as Japan simultaneously grapples with high longevity, low birth rates, and a shrinking population.

Japan, the world's fourth-largest economy, has increasingly relied on foreign workers in recent years to offset labor shortages. Authorities have expanded programs for foreign workers-including skilled professionals and other categories of employees needed in sectors where companies struggle to recruit local staff. However, economic immigration remains a sensitive issue in a society that has traditionally maintained restrictive immigration policies.

Alongside the growing need for foreign labor, the Japanese government has recently tightened certain visa requirements. This creates a dilemma for the authorities: the economy requires more foreign workers, while a segment of society calls for stricter controls on immigration and the presence of foreign nationals.