TSMA Yearbook 2018

100 2018 Yearbook In fact, Taiwan has reached the threads hold of an ageing society defined by the United Nations in 1993, that is, the 65 years-old population ratio reaches 7%. According to Population Statistics Report of Taiwan R.O.C. (2014 to 2061) publicized by National Development Council, because the post-war baby boom generation has gradually grown into 65 years old. This period of time, from 2014 to 2025, Taiwan’s ageing population will grow the fastest. As estimated in 2018, this ratio will be more than 14%, and Taiwan will become an official aged society. In 2025, Taiwan will be one of the super-aged societies. In other words, with the increasing ageing population, in 2025, one in every five people is an elder person over 65 years old. In 2061, two in every five people are elders . The ratio will be 41%. However, when the average life is extended, it does not mean health life is longer. It is inevitable that the physiological functions decline and chronical diseases increase. In the future, unhealthy and disable population and medical care and expenses will speedily grow as forecasted. Therefore, how to promote the health of the elderly people or to enhance the skill levels, in order to be active ageing or even productive ageing or to build the friendly environment for the elderly people, shall be the key issues for the policies from governments. Diagram 3. Taiwan’s ageing progress is getting faster. Remark: 1. Internationally, the population, over 65 years old, reaches 7%, 14% or 20% is respectively defined as ageing, aged or super-aged society. The 65-year-old population ratio (%) Estimated Figures 40 30 20 10 0 Over 65 years old Over 80 years old Over 85 years old 70 82 95 107 114 130 140 150 年 7.1% ageing aged super-aged 14.6% 20.1%