Rising Life Expectancy and the Challenge of Aging in Asia

This trend is not unique to Japan. Since 2000, most Asian countries have recorded gains in both life expectancy and healthy life years. By 2050, the population aged 60 and above in the Asia-Pacific region is projected to nearly double, reaching 1.2 billion — about one-fourth of the total population. While this creates a potential “silver dividend,” as older adults continue contributing to the economy, it also places immense pressure on welfare and pension systems.

Rapid aging is largely tied to falling birth rates. In Japan and South Korea, high child-rearing costs and gender inequality have discouraged many women from having children. In China, the decades-long one-child policy left a lasting demographic impact. As a result, several Asian countries are on track to become “super-aged societies” within a few decades.

The implications are profound: shrinking workforces, mounting healthcare demands, and growing pension burdens. Currently, around 40% of people over 60 in the Asia-Pacific have no pension coverage, with women disproportionately affected. Many elderly individuals are forced to work well past retirement age, while mental health issues, chronic illnesses, and social isolation are on the rise.

According to the Asian Development Bank (ADB), governments must act now to ensure healthy aging. That means sustained investment in healthcare, education, lifelong skills training, and financial readiness for retirement. Strengthening family and community ties is equally vital. Some countries are already shifting policy directions — China, for example, is encouraging businesses to develop products and services tailored to seniors while promoting elderly participation in the so-called “silver economy,” where older adults remain both active contributors and valued consumers.