Aging Asia and Implications for Social Security Programs

Abstract The rapidly aging population in Asia, and in most regions of the world, necessitates the provision of social security for larger numbers of older people who are living longer than in the past while also balancing the interests of different generations. This chapter examines how population aging strains existing models of social support and public pension systems in Asia, including a discussion of recent policy responses. Specifically, the chapter analyzes the social security systems in Japan, China, and India as exemplars since these three countries will host a sizable share of the world’s population of oldest old (those 80 and over) in the next few decades. Findings reveal that each nation has pursued unique policy strategies to ensuring income security for its older citizens, but general trends are also apparent. India’s new National Pension is an example of an innovative public policy and administration response in a country without a national social security system. The general trends found in many countries in the region include increases to pension eligibility ages, and consolidating previously separate pension plans. Public administrators in Asia will more and more need to be creative and explore new options given limited resources, and in this regard have much to contribute to promising practices in other parts of the world in adjusting to population aging.