Japan, whose population is aging faster than that of any other nations, may provide a laboratory for the challenges that developed societies will increasingly face. Such challenges(51)rising pension and medical costs and greater stress(52)a shrinking number of family caretakers,(53)to a recent study published by the Population Reference Bureau. Inc, in Washington, D. C.
The proportion of the Japanese population(54)65 and over is expected to(55)than double between 1985 and 2025,(56)from 10% of the total population to 23%,(57)to decreasing birth and death rates.(58), Japan’s elderly have been considered “honorable elders” who(59)a special place in the home, according to Linda G. Martin, author of(60)National Academy of Sciences’ Committee on Population.(61)the proportion of elderly living with their children(62)from 77% in 1970 to 65% in 1985.
Increased(63)of middle-aged women, the traditional caretakers(64)the elderly, means that a(65)proportion of elderly Japanese can(66)upon care by family members. The proportion of married(67)of childbearing age planning to depend on their(68)for support in old(69)decreased from 55% in 1950 to 18% in 1988.(70)where such care is provided, there is some evidence of considerable family stress and poor quality of care.