Problem Solution Report
From the International business perspective of Japanese (also in taiwan)
Social issues
BRAVE HEARTS International Exchange Department
From an international economic point of view, the 'issue point' when viewed from an economic point of view
Changing the way of looking at issue points
Political science, environmental studies, business administration (from multiple perspectives)
Hypotheses based on the above two
Conclusion
Problem-solving methods for the conclusion
As a project, think about it while linking it to the organization's philosophy.
As a project, create a problem-solving method.
Social issue:Aging Population（少子高齢化）
Current Situation and Future Expectations
People aged 65 and older made up about 30 % of Japan's total population.
Birth rate of Japan declined for the seventh consecutive year in 2022,which is the lowest point of 1.26.
By 2025, one in five Japanese people will be aged 75 or older, entering the category of late-stage elderly.
One in five of Japanese people will be aged 75 or older by 2025,which will enter late-stage elderly .
Birth rate of Japan is declining from 1.76 in 1985 to 1.45 in 2015, 1.33 in 2020, and 1.26 in 2022.
Life expectancy in Japan is getting longer by years.Currently, in2024 is 85.15 years.
(picture from UN)
The picture shows the significant changes in birth rates and the elderly population over the years.
Reasons why aging population is happening:
The improvement of technology
(societal norms changes)Getting late marriage or choosing to be single.
Do not have enough money to raise kids…and more
Problems caused by aging population:
It will be the necessity of higher taxes.Caring for children, health care, and others are al include in the social security expenditure ( In 2040 is estimated to be ( 190 trillion yen)190 trillion yen.)
Number of workers will decrease.
The increase of families to burden the care of elderly.
Explanation:
Japan is the highest aging population country in the world.More than 10% of Japan's population is now aged 80 or older.Low birth rates and aging people pose a serious threat to labor shortage and elder care .
The viewpoint of economics:
Japan :
Aging population and workforce shortage will lead to a shrinking economy.A smaller workforce can slow down economic growth,with fewer people working, the overall production is decreasing, shrinking the economy.
According to The International Monetary Fund, the aging population will slow down Japan's average annual GDP growth by 1 percentage point over the next three decades .
Taiwan :
Taiwan's population is also rapidly aging, leading to a shortage of labor. Therefore, the country has legalized the employment of foreign migrant workers.(people working in the factory or working as caregivers…)
In 2023, there are about 753,000 migrant workers in Taiwan.
Because Taiwan's population is getting older, some foreign workers who work as caregivers or helpers in people's homes(foreign workers take care of elderly in the house, they usually stay at the house and live with them till their contract is ended ) may be asked to do something illegally.For instance, since there are fewer young people doing farm work, foreign workers who are hired only for caregiving and housework are illegally asked to do farming additional work without being paid for it.
From multiple perspectives(Sociology):
Japan:
( Elderly Care) In a super-aged society ( a society in which more than 21%) , problems arise with elderly spouses taking care of each other and elderly being parents cared for by their adult children.
And also elder abuse at nursing homes.
Reasons for the above
Not enough money to go to nursing home.
Many elderly people feel it's inappropriate to rely on family members who live separately or believe their children are too busy to help. They also think it's wrong to burden the younger generation with caregiving responsibilities.
Kind of abuse
Physical abuse
Neglect of care
Psychological abuse
Sexual abuse
Economic abuse
Conclusion:
In Japan, fewer parents are having children, and more people are living longer. This causes a shortage of workers, thus slowing down economic growth. More and more people need care, which puts huge pressure on their families to balance work and caregiving responsibilities. Japan is dealing with the issues of an aging society earlier than many other countries. This gives it a special chance to come up with good solutions for the problems caused by more elderly people.
In Taiwan, the aging population leads to a labor shortage, so the country hires foreign workers to help. However, these workers are sometimes asked to do extra tasks without being paid properly.
Problem-solving methods for the conclusion
Declining birthrate:
Government:Provide house subsidy and education to let children grow well.Setting more daycare, so that parents can feel less worrying about their children and feel free to be back to the workplace when they want to.
Aging population:
Avoid getting sick easily
Eat healthier to stay healthy.
Stay active (resolution related below) to reduce the risk of needing care from others.
Organization's philosophy
We all know that most people will face old age, as will people in other countries. We should share different ideas to ensure a comfortable life for the elderly. Regardless of age, everyone can stay active and participate in various activities.
[MAIN]
As a Project, Create a Problem-Solving Method for Aging Population
Japan-caregiving
To prevent problems like elderly abuse in nursing homes or family members having difficulties providing care, we can promote the idea of hiring personal caregivers from other countries. This can ensure that those receiving care feel comfortable in their own homes and can simultaneously boost the economy.
Current difficulty of overseas caregivers
Caregiver need to speak Japanese and get certificate
Weaken yen(lower payment compare to other countries)
Lot of skill required to officially working in Japan
If they don't pass the test, they have to fly back to their home country
Solving
Releasing the program for foreigners coming to Japan as caregivers. (There are currently four ways, and the process to get certified is strict.) They try hard to learn Japanese and caregiving skills. If they don't pass, all their efforts are wasted In coordination with the rapid aging population and economic growth in Japan, I think recruiting more international caregivers with more relaxed policies is appropriate and beneficial for the country's people.
Information from:
https://www.stat.go.jp/english/data/jinsui/2022np/index.html (2022 population)
World Population Prospects 2017 (United Nation estimated to 2050)
https://www.wilsoncenter.org/event/what-can-governments-do-about-falling-birth-rates
https://www.homeinstead.com/care-resources/caregiver-support/healthy-aging-resolutions/
https://www.tokhimo.com/post/how-to-be-caregiver-care-worker-kaigo-in-japan
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