TOPIC

Ageing society

Related Topics:
Ageing society
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Ageing society. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
last updated:
9 September, 2024
Vietnam’s total fertility rate fell to 1.91 children per woman, marking the third consecutive year it has dropped below the replacement level. Photo: Shutterstock
Vietnam

Vietnam’s birth rate slumps to record low despite propaganda push

Like many Asian countries with falling fertility rates, Vietnam is increasingly concerned about the long-term impact of an ageing society.

videocam
China economy

Opinion | Why upskilling is so important for China’s workforce

videocam
Japan

The only child in a Japanese village

Wellness

How easy is it to lower your biological age? 8-week plan shows big results

A study shows women needed two months to lower their biological ages by years – by eating and sleeping better and exercising. You could, too.

A specially designed diet and a lifestyle programme helped six women in a study lower their chronological age b years in a matter of weeks. Photo: Shutterstock
Hong Kong

Editorial | Hong Kong private sector has role to play in provision of homes for the elderly

A Hong Kong development for those who are old and well-off has drawn attention to the wider social need for dedicated retirement living.

Wellness

Pet therapy charity’s miniature horses bring joy to young, old and sick

Miniature horses offer therapy to Greek special needs children, old people and psychiatric patients, but charity providing them needs help.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Japan

‘Very worrying’: record 78% of people in Japan feel anxious, survey shows

Economy, rising prices, uncertain job prospects and the state of the world among reasons for concern, as more feel standard of living declining.

4
A new survey shows a record high 78.2 per cent of Japanese people are anxious about their lives. Photo: Getty Images
South Korea

‘Super-aged’ South Korea faces demographic challenges as 20% of population over 65

The milestone, driven by a declining birth rate, highlights the country’s rapidly ageing population and the need for policy changes to address the demographic challenges.

videocam
South Korea

Nearly two-thirds of Korean women OK with being childless, survey finds

South Korea has world’s lowest fertility rate, and 65 per cent of women and 41 per cent of men say they could accept a life without children.

videocam
8
Japan

Small Japanese firms are going broke at rapid pace amid dire worker shortage

In the first half of this year, 182 companies went under in the country which faces a deficit of 3.4 million workers by decade’s end.

videocam
A worker prepares rolls of toilet paper at the Maruhide Seishi factory in Ino, Japan’s Kochi prefecture. Photo: Reuters
Science

A liver acid could be an anti-ageing ‘elixir’, Chinese scientists say

Researchers find naturally occurring acid induces pseudo-starvation effects, resulting in anti-ageing effects in animals.

videocam
The findings of a study led by Xiamen University have put a spotlight on a type of bile known as LCA that can produce effects resulting in regeneration in animals. Image: Shutterstock
Women and gender

Outrage as scholar asks how can China make women ‘submissively have children’

Professor Wang Xianju was speaking to Kazakhstan’s Erlan Qarin, who said women in his country had free will regarding fertility.

videocam
5
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hong Kong ombudsman urges authorities to digitise after-death services

Watchdog calls for public agencies to create one-stop online platform to help bereaved with services amid city’s ageing population.

China's population

Baby boom or bust? The rising cost of China’s childbirth conundrum

World’s second-largest economy is facing unique demographic challenges unlike those seen anywhere in the world, Communist Party publication warns.

14
The head of China’s Institute of Population and Labour Economics has warned that not enough is being done to incentivise people to have children. Photo: Getty Images
Wellness

Are blue zones a scam?

The secret to longevity seems to be bad data and record-keeping, finds a new study.

Elderly residents rest in the grounds of a temple in Tokyo in 2014 as the country marks Respect-for-the-Aged-Day. Photo: AFP
China society

Opinion | Novelist Chiung Yao’s death rekindles discussion on euthanasia in China

The popular author’s passing has sparked debate on a matter weighed down with stigma despite years in the public consciousness.

videocam
China's population

Does China have the key to unlock a second demographic dividend?

Employers in China asked to create jobs suitable for older workers, with close to 300 million people aged over 60.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Hong Kong society

Hong Kong lawmakers sceptical about checks on mainland care homes for city’s elderly

Mainland will largely regulate facilities run by operators across the border, which are now eligible for scheme targeting elderly Hongkongers.

Hong Kong has rolled out subsidies for the city’s elderly residents to help them stay at 11 care homes in Guangdong province. Photo: Xiaomei Chen
Wellness

More muscles, bigger brain. How weight training can help the mind as we age

Studies show that retaining muscle mass as you age, especially through resistance training, may help safeguard your cognitive health.

Wellness

Older and feeling lonely? Go online for better mental health, study says

Staying informed and connected by going online, even once a week, lowers depression scores in over-50s, University of Hong Kong study finds.

Education in Hong Kong

Letters | Yidan Prize laureate shows the power of digital education

Readers discuss the two lessons for Hong Kong educators, elderly couples renewing their marriage vows, sexual harassment at music festivals, and improvements for weather service.

Hong Kong students sit for the DSE Chinese-language exam at a Tai Po school on April 11. Hong Kong should consider transitioning the paper-based DSE examinations to digital formats. Photo: Handout
Singapore

Elon Musk’s ‘going extinct’ jab at Singapore spotlights birth rate challenges

‘Ultra low’ fertility rates could affect Singapore’s social fabric and economic competitiveness in the long term, analysts say.

20
A young child flanked by his parents in front of the Rain Vortex waterfall inside the Jewel Changi Airport mall in Singapore. Government data showed that Singapore’s total fertility rate fell to a historic low of 0.97 last year. Photo: EPA-EFE
Hong Kong healthcare and hospitals

Hongkongers could face eligibility tests for dental treatment at public clinics

Authorities will also offer free check-ups for preschoolers and affordable services for adolescents.

videocam
Hong Kong society

Opinion | Hong Kong must break the taboos around end-of-life care and death

With a law passed on advanced medical directives, the onus is on government to provide life-and-death education and facilitate discussion.

videocam
Hong Kong economy

Letters | Rest and recovery will help Hong Kong compete at top level again

Readers discuss misplaced pessimism over the city’s difficulties, the challenge of an ageing labour force, faith in our economic fundamentals, and equal marriage rights.

5
A Star Ferry sails along Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour on November 26. Photo: AFP
Health in China

China promotes fidelity for elderly as HIV/Aids cases rise in over 50s

Rising infection rates attributed to loneliness, a lack of understanding about safe sex and reluctance to discuss it with doctors.

videocam
China is among countries facing rising HIV/AIDS cases among its elderly population. An estimated quarter of people living with HIV globally were aged 50 years and over in 2023, according to UNAIDS. Photo: AFP
Hong Kong economy

Letters | Foreign talent can’t be Hong Kong’s only answer to labour crunch

Readers discuss the need for local solutions to city’s ageing labour force, ways to enliven the harbourfront, the US-China prisoner swap, and what Trump’s MAGA movement means.

How to age well

Elderly couples often don’t talk. How to reconnect and stay interested

People together a long time can be emotionally distant. Regularly starting a conversation, listening and empathising, can help close the gap.

Advertisement
Advertisement
Help preserve 120 years of quality journalism.
SUPPORT NOW
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement