高齢化(こうれいか)

高齢化(こうれいか) describes the demographic shift toward an older population. The suffix 化(か) indicates a process of change.

Common expressions

• 高齢化(こうれいか)社会(しゃかい): aging society
• 超(ちょう)高齢化(こうれいか)社会(しゃかい): super-aged society
• 少子(しょうし)高齢化(こうれいか): declining birthrate and aging population
• 高齢化(こうれいか)が進(すす)む: aging progresses
• 高齢化(こうれいか)率(りつ): aging rate

Usage

Japan has one of the highest rates of population aging in the world. The paired term 少子化(しょうしか) (declining birthrate) is almost always discussed alongside it. Together, 少子(しょうし)高齢化(こうれいか) is a major social and economic issue frequently appearing in news and policy discussions.