Taiwan Today
Date: March 10, 2017 | A- A+

Taiwan’s aging index reached a record 100.18 in February, reflecting the high standard

As more people enter their golden years in Taiwan, the government is ramping up efforts to ensure all challenges stemming from this demographic trend are met head on. (Photo/Jimmy Lin)

of local health care but presenting the government with a unique set of policymaking challenges, according to the Ministry of the Interior March 9.

Calculated as the number of persons 65 years old or over per 100 persons under age 15 by the MOI, the benchmark is widely used to gauge the degree of aging in a society.

Jair Lan-pin, deputy director-general of the MOI’s Department of Household Registration, said Taiwan’s aging index has been on the rise since 2011 when it was 72.2. There are several reasons for this trend, she added, citing the country’s low birth rate, an increase in life expectancy brought about by the National Health Insurance system, enhanced health awareness among the public and a general improvement in the well-being of the people.    [FULL  STORY]