高齢化

• Reading: こうれいか
• Romaji: koureika
• Kanji breakdown: 高 (kou) — high; 齢 (rei) — age; 化 (ka) — change, -ification
• Pronunciation: /koː.ɾeː.ka/

Meaning

Ageing of a population; population ageing. The demographic shift toward a higher proportion of elderly people.

A noun that can function as a suru-verb (高齢化する). Together with 少子化, it forms one of Japan's defining social challenges. 高齢化社会 (ageing society) is a phrase that appears constantly in news and policy discussions. Common collocations include 高齢化が進む (ageing progresses) and 高齢化率 (ageing rate).

Examples

1. 高齢化が進んで医療費が増えている。 Medical costs are rising as the population ages.
2. 地方では高齢化が深刻な問題になっている。 In rural areas, population aging has become a serious problem.
3. 高齢化社会に向けた準備が必要だ。 Preparations for an aging society are needed.

Usage Guide

Context: news, politics, social issues

Tone: serious

Origin & History

Composed of 高齢 (advanced age, from 高 'high' + 齢 'age') and 化 (to change into, -ification). Literally the transformation into advanced age.

Cultural Context

Era: Contemporary

Generation: All ages

Social background: Universal