English: An osteoporotic elderly women in Japan. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

English: Elderly man at Shimonose Park Sasebo Japan (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

This is an insightful article from the Japan Times. It’s a recommended read. Check it out!

via Some prisons in Japan becoming ‘like nursing homes’ amid surge in elderly offenders | The Japan Times.

Compared to many Western countries, Japan has two major differences. Firstly, her population is older. Secondly, she has far fewer people in prison because crime is very low.

Let’s switch to a country, like the UK, ahead of the national election. In the UK by comparison, crime is greater, and there’s a time bomb of an aging population without adequate financial means. Also throw-in poor health of the elderly in the UK and deteriorating national healthcare.

So what can the UK learn from Japan’s experience?

Well, I suggest that the next government takes a strategic look at the UK’s aging population. Perhaps, there’s a need for a comprehensive demographic review because the birthrates of immigrants typically is greater than the indigenous population.

Thoughts?