As the defining characteristic of the twenty-first century, global ageing poses
some overwhelming demographic questions. The most important challenge
comes in the form of the glaring impact of ageing society on the continuous
labor supply to sustain the growth momentum. Given the vast size and rapid
pace of demographic change, China is one nation facing a humongous policy
challenge in the arena of labor and social policy. From retirement policies,
older worker discrimination to the strain on social security systems, the range
of issues is quite varied. The paper thus looks at the policy challenges and options
in framing a prudent labor policy in the light of a rapidly ageing society.
In dealing with the policy challenges and learning from international experience,
the study makes a comparison with policies in Japan where the concerted
efforts by state has resulted in innovative and elderly-friendly work
policies. The study finds that managing ageing workforce is the most viable
option which requires that policies be rejiggered at state, market and familial
level.
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