By 2040, elderly people are forecast to account for more than which percentage of Japan's population?

• A. More than 25%
• B. More than 35%
• C. More than 45%
• D. More than 55%

Answer: (B)

Age-driven demographic change is the idea behind this question: Japan is aging as birth rates stay low and life expectancy remains high, so a larger share of the population becomes elderly. Projections for 2040 place the portion of people aged 65 and over at a little over one-third of the population, i.e., more than 35%. That’s why the best answer is the threshold of more than 35%. It isnely higher than 25% and not yet as high as 45% or 55% by that year, though the elderly share will continue to rise beyond 35% over time. This rapid aging has big implications for healthcare demand, pensions, and the size of the working-age population.