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Aging in Southeast and East Asia: Issues and Policy Directions

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Abstract

Population aging is unique in Asia given the speed at which it is occurring and the immense social and economic changes that the region is experiencing at the same time. Compared to their Western counterparts, Asian governments have much less time to prepare for population aging. Asian countries that have traditionally relied on family-based support for older family members are worried that increased numbers of older adults may stress these family systems. At the same time, information concerning the effectiveness of formal programs for older adults is scarce. This paper reviews current research on informal support versus formal support of older adults in Southeast and East Asia, with a larger aim of assessing the current well-being of older Asians and suggesting areas of policy concern. Current research reveals that formal programs in the majority of Southeast and East Asian countries have very low coverage of today's older adults, and the figures for future generations are not that much higher. However, family support of older persons may not be deteriorating as predicted by modernization theory. Asian families continue to play a major role in supporting older members, thus policies should focus on enabling Asian families to provide this support.

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Notes

  1. However, within these countries among certain ethnic groups, e.g., among the Chinese in Malaysia and Singapore, fertility rates are falling and these particular groups are aging rapidly.

  2. This large shift in main source of financial support can partially be explained by a concomitant change in policies regarding pension income in Taiwan. For a detailed explanation of these policies see Biddlecom et al. (2001).

  3. These studies can be found in a special issue of the Asia-Pacific Population Journal (December) 1997.

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  1. Department of Sociology, National University of Singapore, 11 Arts Link, Singapore, 117570, Singapore

    Angelique Chan

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  1. Angelique Chan
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Chan, A. Aging in Southeast and East Asia: Issues and Policy Directions. J Cross Cult Gerontol 20, 269–284 (2005). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10823-006-9006-2

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