An analysis of changes in life expectancy and fertility rates over time in Southeast Asian countries reveals a history of conflict, natural disasters, infectious diseases and other crises the region has faced. Southeast Asia is characterised by great diversity, not only in its natural environment, history, religion, economic situation and political system, but also in healthcare. At the same time, the region shares common challenges such as an ageing population, the need for universal access to safe and secure healthcare and the pursuit of peace and environmental harmony. Currently, Japan’s ageing population is prominent compared to other countries in South-East Asia, with a notable number of elderly people with chronic diseases, including dementia, and older adults living alone, and lone deaths are a major challenge. If current demographic trends continue, most Southeast Asian countries are likely to face similar challenges as Japan in the future. Japan is at the forefront of ageing, with the proportion of people aged 65 and over approaching 30%. It is crucial to share its experience with Southeast Asian countries.

In this paper, we would like to focus on the 90th percentile age in each country and point out the importance of considering the relative position of age in society, rather than simply focusing on age alone. This 90th percentile age has reached 80 in Japan. This means that more than 10% of the Japanese population is now aged 80 or older. In this Japanese society, can a system of retirement at 65 really be considered sustainable? While much emphasis has been placed on the provision of care for older adults, it is also important to focus on the roles they can play. Even within the same age group, there is a wide variation in health status depending on the living environment and lifestyle. The health status of a particular age group in a society varies according to environment, culture, region and time period, so measures should be taken and issues tackled in accordance with the realities of each society, with the cooperation of the international community.

The study was published in the journal Geriatrics & Gerontology International (15 May 2025).

Comment from the author

In this paper, I have visualised the transition of the 90th percentile age in different countries, which has not been the focus of attention until now. The 90th percentile age in Japan, which was in the 60s when I was a child, has now reached 80. This means that more than 10% of the population is over 80 years old. The position of age in society needs to change with the times.

Researcher

Ryota Sakamoto　Kyoto University Activity Database on Education and Research

Publication information

Contact

<About the paper>
Assoc. Prof. Ryota Sakamoto, CSEAS, Kyoto University
E-mail:  sakamoto65 [at] cseas.kyoto-u.ac.jp

<About the publicity>
Public Relations Committee, CSEAS, Kyoto University
https://bit.ly/4dAtaj9