No Sex driving up lens prices!

[darktiger]

This explains a lot.

http://www.cnn.com/2009/WORLD/asiapc...ies/index.html

[toverman]

Way to go, Canon!

I know what this sentence is trying to say, but it sounded funny, like there's some reason people are just getting old faster in Japan, like "The Curious Case of Benihana" or something.

"In addition, Japan's population is aging at a faster pace than any other country in the world."

[carrbowl]

WOW...wonder why they are aging faster than most? I thought they ate so good??? Interesting.

[toverman]

I think it means that because of the low birth rate, the average age of the country is rising more than in other parts of the world.

Never been to Japan (yet), but my perception is that modern culture has pushed a combination of convenience food and (again, just perception) working hard is valued above almost everything else. That can make a person old a lot faster!

[Cajungaltx]

Originally Posted by carrbowl

WOW...wonder why they are aging faster than most? I thought they ate so good??? Interesting.

The population age is impacted by new births. Because Japan has such a low birth rate (1.34) new babies aren't replacing those who are dying - so the average age of the population gets older & older... thus they 'age faster' than most.

The magic number is 2.1 - that's the rate that you will have enough to replace your current population.

If it's lower (like Japan) then the tax base decreases.... plus there aren't enough to care for the elderly.

[Cajungaltx]

Originally Posted by toverman

I think it means that because of the low birth rate, the average age of the country is rising more than in other parts of the world.

Never been to Japan (yet), but my perception is that modern culture has pushed a combination of convenience food and (again, just perception) working hard is valued above almost everything else. That can make a person old a lot faster!

Modern culture clashing with old world concepts regarding women.