In Japan in 2007, the "aging index," calculated by dividing the population over 65 by that under 14, tipped the scales at 150 %, revealing that there are 1.5 citizens over the age of 65 for every one under age 14. Given this kind of demographic structure, it becomes clear that maintaining pensions for retirees at the same time as keeping the economy chugging forward is one tall order.
再以日本為例，2007 年其「老化指數」（65 歲以上人口除以 14 歲以下人口）高達 150 %，亦即平均每 1.5 名老人只能「分配」到 1 名青少年；以這樣的人口結構，要負擔沈重的退休年金並帶動經濟動能持續運轉，顯然是不可能的任務。