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The Silver Market Phenomenon pp 71–82Cite as

Japan’s Demographic Changes, Social Implications, and Business Opportunities

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Abstract

The “aging problem” should not be viewed as an economic encumbrance. It is better viewed in the context of the robustness of the economy. Expansion of the carrying capacity of the active labor force as well as active aging among older adults will decrease the burden on society. This chapter draws out social and cultural implications of demographic changes in the context of Japan’s transformation from a Fordist to post-Fordist economy. The distinction shifts attention to the social organization of technology-based service industries. The growing number of older persons and senior households means immense business opportunities for developing new solutions, products, and services. Older adults are potent consumers, willing and economically able to secure independent living and a high quality of life. This chapter discusses a number of emerging silver industries, including housing and real estate, food, pets, robotics, senior care appliances, and the funeral market.

Keywords

  • Real Estate
  • Baby Boomer
  • Business Opportunity
  • Independent Living
  • Service Robot

These keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Sociology, University of Missouri-St. Louis, St. Louis, USA

    C. Usui (Chair and Associate Professor)

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  1. C. Usui
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Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. German Institute for Japanese Studies (DIJ), Jochi Kioizaka Bldg. 2F 7-1 Kioicho Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, 102-0094, Japan

    Dr. Florian Kohlbacher

  2. Institut für Technologie- und Innovationsmanagement, TU Hamburg-Harburg, Schwarzenbergstrasse 95, 21073, Hamburg, Germany

    Prof. Dr. Cornelius Herstatt

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Usui, C. (2008). Japan’s Demographic Changes, Social Implications, and Business Opportunities. In: Kohlbacher, F., Herstatt, C. (eds) The Silver Market Phenomenon. Springer, Berlin, Heidelberg. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-540-75331-5_6

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