《中英對照讀新聞》Japanese people are living so long that the country’s definition of "elderly" could change 日本人超長壽 改寫全國「老年」定義

◎孫宇青

The Japanese Gerontological Society, a group of medical doctors and university professors, have proposed changing the threshold for "elderly" status from 65 years old to 75 given the country’s widespread longevity, NHK World reports.

日本放送協會環球廣播網報導，由於日本人普遍長壽，一群醫師和大學教授組成的日本老年學會，提議將「老年」的門檻從65歲調整至75歲。

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Census figures from 2015 show 26.7% of Japan’s population is 65 years or older. The proportion will rise to 33% by 2035 and 40% by 2060.

2015年的人口普查數據顯示，年紀在65歲（含）以上的日本人占26.7％。這個比例2035年將上升至33％，2060年將高達40％。

Economists have expressed concern over the widespread aging because younger generations aren’t having children like they used to. With fewer young people to cover greater social-security costs, people are taking on larger individual shares, limiting their personal spending.

經濟學家已對老年化現象普及表達憂心，因為年輕世代不像過去一樣生養後代。一旦缺少年輕人負擔愈來愈龐大的社會福利支出，個人所須扛下的費用就會增加，從而限制每個人的消費能力。

Redefining "elders" over 75 instead of 65 would allow more older Japanese people in great physical shape to continue contributing to the labor force, and hopefully boost the economy.

將「老年」定義從65歲調升至75歲，可讓更多身體狀態良好的年長日本人，繼續貢獻勞動力，希望藉此促進經濟發展。

According to the Japan Times, a recent survey conducted by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry found, 70% of respondents who are 60 or older would be willing to work past 65.

日本時報指出，厚生勞動省近期一項調查發現，60歲以上的人當中，有70％願意工作至65歲之後。

新聞辭典

longevity：名詞，長壽；持久。例句：Balance of diet and sleep contributes to longevity.（飲食和睡眠均衡有助於長壽。）

boost：動詞，促進。例句：A series of promotions were adopted to boost sales.（為了提升銷售額，我們採取一連串促銷活動。）

welfare：名詞，福利；社會救濟（制度）。例句：She has been concerned about social welfare issues.（她持續關注社會福利議題。）