Occupational health strategies and insights for elderly workers in Japan and South Korea in the context of declining birth rates and aging populations

Abstract

China has a large, advanced, and rapidly aging population, coupled with a trend of decreasing birth rates that is exacerbating the issue of an aging society. It is expected that by 2030, China will become a hyper-aged society. As the demographic dividend gradually diminishes, the working-age population is shrinking in size and becoming increasingly older, making elderly labor force an important resource. Japan and South Korea have accumulated rich experience in promoting the healthy employment and occupational health services for the elderly workforce. It is necessary for China to thoroughly consider the issue and implement corresponding measures. This article compared and analyzed the current employment situation of aging populations in China, Japan, and South Korea, revealing that Japan and South Korea presented certain advantages in healthy employment policies, occupational health measures for the elderly, and digital economy. Taking into account the circumstances in China, we can further strengthen occupational health promotion activities, optimize employment structure, utilize new technologies such as artificial intelligence, promote active aging, ensure the sustainable development of elderly labor force resources, steadily enhance comprehensive national strength, and meet the increasing demand for better quality of life among the people.

Keywords

• declining birth rate and aging population
• elderly worker
• occupational health
• occupational health service
• productivity efficiency