Policy Monographs
Socioeconomic Impact of Demographic Changes
- Author
Lee, Sam Sik
- Publication Date
2013
- Pages
- Series No.
- Language
From the late 20th-century on, East Asian countries have undergone demographic transitions much more rapid than those in European countries. The East Asian demographic transitions, involving low birth rates and low mortality rates, have led to the rapid ageing of population. The demographic change may in turn bring about labor shortage and a fall in consumer demand, leading to decreases in jobs, a slowdown in growth, and economic recession, while increasing the demand for social security and health care. Many countries in Europe and North America have long made efforts to cope with population change, depopulation and population aging. Some of these countries are considered to have succeeded in raising their fertility rates and others are not. In recent years, Korea has also made efforts to raise its fertility rate, which had remained below 1.3 for more than 10 years, and to prepare for further aging of the population. If such efforts are to succeed, they need to be based on theoretical and empirical evidence. A number of experts were brought together for the Fourth East West Center (EWC)-Korea Institute for Health and Social Affairs (KIHASA) Joint Conference to discuss emerging population issues in Asia and the Pacific region. Held during June 16~19, 2013 at the East- West Center, Hawaii, under the theme of “Socioeconomic Impacts of Demographic Change,” the Joint Conference provided an important opportunity to delve into what we have to do for a sustainable future in times of rapid population change. The participants of the conference presented a total of 11 papers. “Sustainable Society in the Era of Centenarians” proposed a paradigm shift for longevity increases and labor shortage. Threepapers that followed were devoted to discussing demographic changes, forecasting fertility level trends, measuring the contributions of each of demographic components, and estimating the optimum population in harmony with economic growth and welfare. These were, in order, “A Qualitative Understanding of Future Drivers of Fertility in Pacific Asia,” “Contributions of Demographic Factors to Future Population Change,”and “Estimation of Optimal Population in Korea. Four papers dealt with old-age income security. Their titles are: “Bridge-job is a “must” in Response to Insufficient Retirement Income Protection in Korea”; “Japan’s Pension Reform, Labor Market Responses, and Savings”; “Intergenerational Transfers in China,” and “Support System over the Lifecycle in Korea: the Role of Intergenerational Transfers.” Three presenters discussed ways of helping people lead a healthier and better life in an aging society, with their papers entitled “Immigrant Heterogeneity and Mental Health among Asian and Latino Immigrants,” “Changes in Disease Patterns and Health Expenditure in Korea,” and “Self-Stated Reasons for Suicidal Ideation among Youth: Different Predictors?” The papers were deemed policy-relevant and, therefore, worthy of publication for a wider audience of experts and policy-makers. We extend sincere appreciation to EWC and KIHASA for their
efforts in this important project. Our thanks go also to the presenters, discussants and participants. We are profoundly grateful to Dr. Minja Kim Choe of EWC and Dr. Samsik Lee of KIHASA for their contribution to the making of this volume.
efforts in this important project. Our thanks go also to the presenters, discussants and participants. We are profoundly grateful to Dr. Minja Kim Choe of EWC and Dr. Samsik Lee of KIHASA for their contribution to the making of this volume.