2016 Asian Solutions to ageing populations

Global Average life expectancies have risen from 48 in 1950 to 68 in 2010. This coupled with falling fertility is leading to an ageing population structure in many places. Of course this has benefits but in terms of economics and health care provision it is providing a challenge to many governments. At the recent Help Age Asia Pacific Regional Conference held last month, a number of Asian countries shared some of their practices used to cope with the issue. Here is a summary but for the full article go to Asia Pacific Help Age article.

Japan

• Increased healthcare facilities by 277% between 1990 and 2011.
• Are researching in to the use of robots to look after elderly in their homes.

China

• Expanded their basic health care coverage.
• Plans to increase retirement age from 60 to 65 in the next 5 years.

Thailand

• Government budget for home care systems for the elderly increased by $25 million in 2015.

Singapore

• Government policy is aiming to keep as many elderly people in their own homes with help sent to them which is more cost effective than providing nursing homes.

Are these schemes likely to be successful?