Japan is trying to tackle a demographic crisis that could impact pension
funding and health care as the workforce shrinks and demand from the
aging population surges.
The growth of the older population is also changing the consumer product
market.
Demand for adult diapers in Japan has been rising, while the need for
baby diapers has fallen.
One example of a company adjusting to this shift is Japanese
manufacturer Oji Holdings, which announced in March it would stop
producing baby diapers for the Japanese market later this year to focus
on incontinence products for adults.
By 2100, Africa is expected to be the only region where senior citizens
represent less than 15% of the population.
Seniors in Europe, Northern America and Latin America and the Caribbean
will likely surpass the 30% threshold by then, according to the UN’s
forecast.
