高齢化 30秒了解
- Kōreika describes the demographic trend of a population aging.
- It's caused by low birth rates and longer life expectancies.
- This impacts society, economy, and healthcare systems.
- Often discussed in news and policy contexts.
The Japanese word 高齢化 (kōreika) refers to the demographic phenomenon of a population aging. This means that the proportion of elderly people in a society is increasing, while the proportion of younger people is decreasing. This trend is typically driven by two main factors: a declining birth rate and an increasing life expectancy. As more people live longer and fewer children are born, the average age of the population naturally rises. This is a significant societal issue discussed in various contexts, from government policy and economics to social welfare and healthcare.
- Etymology
- The word is composed of two parts: 高齢 (kōrei), meaning 'elderly' or 'old age', and 化 (ka), a suffix indicating 'change' or '-ization'. Thus, 高齢化 literally means 'the process of becoming elderly'.
- Societal Impact
- The aging of a population brings about numerous challenges and changes. These include increased demand on healthcare systems and pension funds, a potential shortage of labor, and shifts in consumer markets. Societies often need to adapt their infrastructure, social services, and economic policies to address these demographic shifts. This is a topic frequently covered in news reports, academic studies, and public discourse in countries experiencing this trend.
日本は高齢化が急速に進んでいます。
この地域では高齢化による問題が深刻化しています。
- Contexts of Use
- You will frequently encounter 高齢化 in news articles about demographics, economics, social policy, and healthcare. It's also a topic of discussion in academic research related to sociology, gerontology, and public health. In everyday conversation, people might mention it when discussing family structures, retirement, or the future of society.
The word 高齢化 (kōreika) is a noun and is often used as the subject or object of a sentence, or in conjunction with verbs that describe its progression or impact. It can be modified by adjectives or adverbs to specify the degree or speed of aging. For example, you can talk about the 'rapid aging of society' (急速な高齢化 - kyūsokuna kōreika) or 'problems caused by aging' (高齢化による問題 - kōreika ni yoru mondai).
- As a Subject
- When 高齢化 is the subject, it implies that the aging of the population itself is the cause or the focus of the statement. For instance, 'The aging of the population is a serious issue.' (高齢化は深刻な問題です。 - Kōreika wa shinkokuna mondai desu.)
- As an Object/Focus
- It can also be the focus of actions or policies. For example, 'We are implementing measures to deal with aging.' (高齢化に対応するための対策を講じています。 - Kōreika ni taiō suru tame no taisaku o kōjite imasu.)
- With Verbs
- Verbs like 進む (susumu - to progress), 深刻化する (shinkokuka suru - to become serious), and 影響を与える (eikyō o ataeru - to affect) are commonly used with 高齢化. For example, 'The aging of the population is progressing rapidly.' (高齢化は急速に進んでいます。 - Kōreika wa kyūsoku ni susunde imasu.)
政府は高齢化対策に力を入れている。
地域社会の高齢化は、ボランティア活動の担い手不足を招いている。
- Modifying 高齢化
- You can use adjectives like 深刻な (shinkokuna - serious), 急速な (kyūsokuna - rapid), and 顕著な (kenchona - remarkable) to describe the state of 高齢化. For instance, 'The remarkable aging of the population is a global concern.' (著しい高齢化は世界的な懸念事項である。 - Ishiwari na kōreika wa sekaiteki na kenengai de aru.)
You will most frequently encounter the term 高齢化 (kōreika) in contexts related to news, policy discussions, and academic research, particularly in countries with aging populations such as Japan. Japanese news outlets regularly report on demographic trends, discussing the economic, social, and healthcare implications of 高齢化. For example, a news segment might cover a government initiative aimed at supporting the elderly or address the challenges faced by businesses due to a shrinking workforce caused by 高齢化.
- News and Media
- News headlines often feature phrases like 「高齢化社会」(kōreika shakai - aging society), 「高齢化率」(kōreika ritsu - aging rate), or 「高齢化による影響」(kōreika ni yoru eikyō - impact of aging). These reports analyze the effects of 高齢化 on pension systems, the labor market, and the healthcare sector.
- Government and Policy
- Government officials and policymakers frequently use 高齢化 when discussing social welfare programs, retirement policies, and urban planning. Discussions about the sustainability of social security systems or the need for elder care facilities are invariably linked to the concept of 高齢化.
- Academic and Research
- In academic settings, 高齢化 is a central topic in fields like sociology, economics, gerontology, and public health. Researchers study its causes, consequences, and potential solutions, often publishing their findings in academic journals or presenting them at conferences. You might hear it in lectures or discussions about demographic shifts and their societal impact.
テレビで高齢化問題についての特集を見た。
この町は高齢化が進んでいて、若い人が少ない。
Learners might sometimes confuse 高齢化 (kōreika) with related but distinct concepts, or misuse it in grammatical structures. A common pitfall is using it interchangeably with terms that describe the elderly themselves, rather than the process of aging. For instance, mistaking 高齢化 for a word that directly translates to 'elderly people' or 'old age' in a singular sense.
- Confusing with Specific Terms
- While 高齢化 describes the demographic trend, words like 老人 (rōjin) or 高齢者 (kōreisha) refer to elderly individuals. It's important to remember that 高齢化 is about the societal shift, not the individuals themselves. For example, saying 'The 高齢化 is sad' is grammatically awkward; it's better to say 'The challenges of 高齢化 are sad' or 'The situation of the elderly due to 高齢化 is sad.'
- Grammatical Overuse
- Sometimes, learners might try to use 高齢化 as an adjective directly modifying a noun without proper grammatical connectors. For example, attempting to say 'aging society' as 高齢化社会 (kōreika shakai) when the correct structure is often 高齢化が進む社会 (kōreika ga susumu shakai) or simply using 高齢化社会 as a compound noun which is common but requires understanding it as a fixed phrase. A more direct misuse might be trying to use it like a verb, which is incorrect as it's a noun.
- Misinterpreting the Scope
- Another mistake is to think of 高齢化 as a problem solely related to healthcare or pensions. While these are significant aspects, 高齢化 encompasses a broader societal transformation affecting the economy, labor force, family structures, and cultural norms. For instance, one might focus only on the cost of elder care without considering the impact on the workforce or the changing needs of the consumer market.
間違った使い方：高齢化は大変です。
間違った使い方：この問題は高齢化です。
While 高齢化 (kōreika) is the standard term for the demographic trend of an aging population, several related terms and phrases can be used depending on the specific nuance or context. Understanding these alternatives can enrich your vocabulary and allow for more precise communication.
- 高齢化社会 (kōreika shakai)
- Comparison: This is a compound noun meaning 'aging society'. It refers to a society characterized by a high proportion of elderly people, directly resulting from 高齢化. While 高齢化 is the process, 高齢化社会 is the state or condition of a society undergoing this process.
- 老年人口の増加 (rōnen jinkō no zōka)
- Comparison: This phrase means 'increase in the elderly population'. It's a more descriptive way to talk about one aspect of 高齢化. 高齢化 is a broader term that includes the decrease in younger populations as well, whereas this phrase specifically focuses on the rising number of older people.
- 少子高齢化 (shōshi kōreika)
- Comparison: This is a very common and important term that combines 'declining birth rate' (少子 - shōshi) and 'aging population' (高齢化 - kōreika). It highlights the dual demographic challenges often faced simultaneously. While 高齢化 focuses on the aging aspect, 少子高齢化 addresses both the low birth rate and the aging population as interconnected issues.
- 長寿化 (chōjuka)
- Comparison: This term means 'increase in longevity' or 'longevity'. It refers to the phenomenon of people living longer lives. 長寿化 is a contributing factor to 高齢化, but 高齢化 itself is the broader societal demographic shift that results from factors like increased longevity and declining birth rates.
少子高齢化は日本の大きな課題です。
この国では長寿化が進んでいるが、高齢化も同時に問題になっている。
How Formal Is It?
趣味小知识
The suffix '-化 (-ka)' is extremely versatile in Japanese, used to turn nouns or adjectives into verbs or nouns indicating a change or process. Examples include 変化 (henka - change), 文化 (bunka - culture, originally 'civilizing'), and 変化 (henka - change). Its use with 高齢 (kōrei) neatly captures the dynamic process of a population aging over time.
发音指南
- Pronouncing 'rei' as a long 'ee' sound.
- Adding an extra syllable or misplacing the stress.
- Not clearly articulating the final 'a' sound.
难度评级
CEFR B2 level. Understanding articles discussing demographic trends, policy papers, or academic research on aging populations requires comprehension of abstract concepts and specialized vocabulary. The term itself is common, but its contextual usage can be complex.
接下来学什么
前置知识
接下来学习
高级
需要掌握的语法
Using 〜による (ni yoru) to indicate cause or reason.
高齢化による問題 (kōreika ni yoru mondai) - Problems due to the aging population.
Using 〜が進む (ga susumu) to describe a process that is progressing.
高齢化が進んでいます (kōreika ga susunde imasu) - The aging population is progressing.
Using 〜対策 (taisaku) as a suffix to indicate countermeasures or policies.
高齢化対策 (kōreika taisaku) - Countermeasures for the aging population.
Using 〜社会 (shakai) as a suffix to describe a type of society.
高齢化社会 (kōreika shakai) - Aging society.
Using 〜率 (ritsu) as a suffix to indicate a rate or percentage.
高齢化率 (kōreika ritsu) - Aging rate.
按水平分级的例句
この町は高齢者が多いです。
This town has many elderly people.
老人 (rōjin) - old person; 多い (ōi) - many.
昔は子供がもっとたくさんいました。
There used to be more children in the past.
昔 (mukashi) - past; もっと (motto) - more; たくさん (takusan) - many.
おじいさんとおばあさんが公園にいます。
Grandfather and grandmother are in the park.
おじいさん (ojīsan) - grandfather; おばあさん (obāsan) - grandmother; 公園 (kōen) - park.
年を取ると、体が弱くなります。
As you get older, your body becomes weaker.
年を取る (toshi o toru) - to get old; 体 (karada) - body; 弱くなる (yowaku naru) - to become weak.
私の国でも、年を取った人が増えています。
In my country too, the number of older people is increasing.
国 (kuni) - country; 増える (fueru) - to increase.
これは社会の問題です。
This is a societal problem.
社会 (shakai) - society; 問題 (mondai) - problem.
政府はこれを考えています。
The government is thinking about this.
政府 (seifu) - government; 考える (kangaeru) - to think.
将来、どうなるか心配です。
I am worried about what will happen in the future.
将来 (shōrai) - future; 心配 (shinpai) - worry.
日本は急速な高齢化に直面しています。
Japan is facing rapid aging of its population.
急速な (kyūsokuna) - rapid; 直面する (chokumen suru) - to face.
高齢化により、労働力不足が懸念されています。
Due to the aging population, a shortage of labor is a concern.
労働力 (rōdōryoku) - labor force; 不足 (fusoku) - shortage; 懸念される (kenensareru) - to be concerned.
社会保障制度の維持が難しくなってきています。
Maintaining the social security system is becoming difficult.
社会保障制度 (shakai hoshō seido) - social security system; 維持 (iji) - maintenance; 難しくなる (muzukashiku naru) - to become difficult.
高齢者のための福祉サービスを拡充する必要があります。
It is necessary to expand welfare services for the elderly.
福祉サービス (fukushi sābisu) - welfare services; 拡充する (kakujū suru) - to expand; 必要がある (hitsuyō ga aru) - to be necessary.
この問題は、出生率の低下と関連があります。
This problem is related to the declining birth rate.
出生率 (shusshōritsu) - birth rate; 低下 (teika) - decline; 関連がある (kanren ga aru) - to be related.
地域社会の活性化が求められています。
Revitalization of the local community is being called for.
地域社会 (chiiki shakai) - local community; 活性化 (kasseika) - revitalization; 求められる (motomerareru) - to be sought/called for.
経済成長への影響も無視できません。
The impact on economic growth cannot be ignored.
経済成長 (keizai seichō) - economic growth; 影響 (eikyō) - impact; 無視できない (mushi dekinai) - cannot be ignored.
将来世代への負担をどう軽減するかが課題です。
How to reduce the burden on future generations is the challenge.
将来世代 (shōrai sedai) - future generations; 負担 (futan) - burden; 軽減する (keigen suru) - to reduce; 課題 (kadai) - challenge.
世界的に見ても、日本の高齢化率は先進国の中で最も高い水準にある。
Globally speaking, Japan's aging rate is among the highest of developed countries.
世界的に見ても (sekai-teki ni mite mo) - even looking globally; 水準 (suijun) - level.
高齢化の進行は、医療費の増大や年金財政の逼迫を招いている。
The progression of the aging population is leading to increased medical costs and strain on pension finances.
進行 (shinkō) - progression; 医療費 (iryōhi) - medical costs; 増大 (zōdai) - increase; 年金財政 (nenkin zaisei) - pension finances; 逼迫 (hippaku) - strain/tightness.
都市部への人口集中と地方の高齢化が同時に進行している。
Population concentration in urban areas and the aging of rural areas are progressing simultaneously.
都市部 (toshibu) - urban areas; 人口集中 (jinkō shūchū) - population concentration; 地方 (chihō) - rural areas; 同時に (dōji ni) - simultaneously.
生産年齢人口の減少は、経済活力の低下につながる可能性がある。
The decrease in the working-age population could lead to a decline in economic vitality.
生産年齢人口 (seisan nenrei jinkō) - working-age population; 減少 (genshō) - decrease; 経済活力 (keizai katsuryoku) - economic vitality; つながる (tsunagaru) - to lead to.
高齢者の社会参加を促進する施策が求められている。
Measures to promote the social participation of the elderly are needed.
社会参加 (shakai sanka) - social participation; 促進する (sokushin suru) - to promote; 施策 (shisaku) - measure/policy.
テクノロジーを活用した高齢者支援のあり方が議論されている。
Ways of supporting the elderly using technology are being discussed.
テクノロジー (tekunorojī) - technology; 活用する (katsuyō suru) - to utilize; 支援 (shien) - support; あり方 (arikata) - way/manner; 議論される (giron sareru) - to be discussed.
高齢化社会における新たなビジネスチャンスも生まれている。
New business opportunities are also emerging in an aging society.
新たな (aratana) - new; ビジネスチャンス (bijinesu chansu) - business opportunities; 生まれる (umareru) - to be born/emerge.
多世代共生型の地域づくりが理想とされている。
Community development that accommodates multiple generations living together is considered ideal.
多世代共生型 (taseidai kyōsei-gata) - multi-generational co-living type; 地域づくり (chiiki-zukuri) - community development; 理想 (risō) - ideal.
高齢化の進行は、社会構造そのものを変容させる潜在的可能性を秘めている。
The progression of the aging population holds the potential to transform the very structure of society.
変容させる (hen'yō saseru) - to transform; 潜在的可能性 (senzai-teki kanōsei) - potential possibility; 秘めている (himete iru) - to hold/conceal.
年金制度の持続可能性を確保するため、給付水準の見直しや賦課方式への移行が検討されている。
To ensure the sustainability of the pension system, revisions to benefit levels and a shift to a pay-as-you-go system are being considered.
持続可能性 (jizoku kanōsei) - sustainability; 確保する (kakuho suru) - to secure; 給付水準 (kyūfu suijun) - benefit level; 見直し (minaoshi) - revision; 賦課方式 (fuka hōshiki) - pay-as-you-go system; 移行 (ikō) - transition; 検討される (kentō sareru) - to be considered.
地域包括ケアシステムは、高齢者の尊厳を保ちつつ、必要なサービスを切れ目なく提供することを目指している。
The community-based integrated care system aims to provide necessary services without interruption while preserving the dignity of the elderly.
地域包括ケアシステム (chiiki hōkatsu kea shisutemu) - community-based integrated care system; 尊厳 (songen) - dignity; 保ちつつ (tamochi tsutsu) - while maintaining; 切れ目なく (kireme naku) - without interruption; 提供する (teikyō suru) - to provide; 目指している (mezashite iru) - to aim for.
少子化と高齢化の同時進行は、社会保障費の増大と現役世代の負担増という二重苦をもたらしている。
The simultaneous progression of declining birth rates and aging populations brings a double burden of increased social security costs and a heavier load on the working-age generation.
同時進行 (dōji shinkō) - simultaneous progression; 現役世代 (gen'eki sedai) - working-age generation; 負担増 (futan zō) - increased burden; 二重苦 (nijūku) - double hardship/burden; もたらしている (motarashite iru) - is bringing about.
高齢者の孤立や孤独死といった社会問題への対策は、喫緊の課題である。
Measures against social problems such as the isolation and lonely deaths of the elderly are urgent issues.
孤立 (koritsu) - isolation; 孤独死 (kodokushi) - lonely death; 社会問題 (shakai mondai) - social problem; 対策 (taisaku) - countermeasure; 喫緊の課題 (kikkin no kadai) - urgent issue.
デジタルデバイドを解消し、高齢者が情報社会から疎外されないようにすることが重要だ。
It is important to eliminate the digital divide and ensure that the elderly are not alienated from the information society.
デジタルデバイド (dejitaru debaido) - digital divide; 解消する (kaishō suru) - to resolve/eliminate; 疎外される (sogai sareru) - to be alienated; ようにする (yō ni suru) - to ensure/make sure.
高齢者の活躍を促すことは、社会全体の活力を維持・向上させる上で不可欠である。
Promoting the active participation of the elderly is indispensable for maintaining and enhancing the vitality of society as a whole.
活躍 (katsuyaku) - active participation/success; 促す (unagasu) - to promote/encourage; 社会全体 (shakai zentai) - society as a whole; 活力 (katsuryoku) - vitality; 維持・向上させる (iji kōjō saseru) - to maintain and improve; 不可欠である (fukaketsu de aru) - to be indispensable.
持続可能な社会保障制度の構築には、少子高齢化という構造的課題への包括的なアプローチが求められる。
Constructing a sustainable social security system requires a comprehensive approach to the structural challenge of declining birth rates and an aging population.
持続可能な (jizoku kanōna) - sustainable; 構築 (kōchiku) - construction/building; 構造的課題 (kōzō-teki kadai) - structural challenge; 包括的なアプローチ (hōkatsu-teki na apurōchi) - comprehensive approach.
高齢化の進展は、単なる人口構成の変化に留まらず、経済システム、社会関係資本、さらには国民の価値観やライフスタイルにまで及ぶ広範な影響を内包している。
The advancement of the aging population does not merely stop at a change in population composition but encompasses broad impacts extending to the economic system, social capital, and even national values and lifestyles.
進展 (shinten) - advancement; 単なる (tannaru) - mere; 人口構成 (jinkō kōsei) - population composition; 留まらず (todomara zu) - not stopping at; 社会関係資本 (shakai kankei shihon) - social capital; さらには (sarani wa) - furthermore; 国民 (kokumin) - national; 価値観 (kachikan) - values; ライフスタイル (raifusutairu) - lifestyle; 及ぶ (oyobu) - to reach/extend to; 広範な (kōhan-na) - extensive; 内包している (naihō shite iru) - encompasses/contains.
年金制度の財政的持続可能性を確保しつつ、世代間の公平性を担保するためには、給付と負担のバランスを再定義し、多様なセーフティネットを構築するという、極めて困難な政策課題に直面している。
To ensure the financial sustainability of the pension system while guaranteeing intergenerational equity, we face the extremely difficult policy challenge of redefining the balance between benefits and contributions and constructing diverse safety nets.
財政的持続可能性 (zaisei-teki jizoku kanōsei) - financial sustainability; 世代間 (sedai kan) - intergenerational; 公平性 (kōhei sei) - equity/fairness; 担保する (tanpo suru) - to guarantee; 給付と負担のバランス (kyūfu to futan no baransu) - balance of benefits and contributions; 再定義する (sai-teigi suru) - to redefine; 多様な (tayō na) - diverse; セーフティネット (sēfutinetto) - safety net; 構築する (kōchiku suru) - to construct; 極めて (kiwamete) - extremely; 困難な (konnana) - difficult; 政策課題 (seisaku kadai) - policy challenge.
地域包括ケアシステムの推進は、単に高齢者へのサービス提供体制を整備するにとどまらず、地域住民全体のエンパワメントと、持続可能な地域社会の実現を目指す、より包括的な社会変革の試みと捉えるべきである。
The promotion of the community-based integrated care system should be viewed not merely as establishing a service provision system for the elderly, but as a more comprehensive attempt at social transformation aiming for the empowerment of all community residents and the realization of a sustainable local society.
推進 (suishin) - promotion; 整備する (seibi suru) - to establish/prepare; にとどまらず (ni todomara zu) - not limited to; 地域住民全体 (chiiki jūmin zentai) - all community residents; エンパワメント (enpawāmento) - empowerment; 実現 (jitsugen) - realization; より包括的な (yori hōkatsu-teki na) - more comprehensive; 社会変革 (shakai henkaku) - social transformation; 試み (kokoromi) - attempt; 捉えるべきである (toraeru beki de aru) - should be viewed as.
少子高齢化がもたらす構造的な課題に対処するためには、労働市場の流動化、女性や高齢者の就労促進、さらには移民政策の見直しといった、多角的かつ大胆な政策パッケージが不可欠となる。
To address the structural challenges brought about by declining birth rates and an aging population, a multifaceted and bold policy package is indispensable, including the fluidization of the labor market, the promotion of employment for women and the elderly, and further reconsideration of immigration policies.
労働市場の流動化 (rōdō shijō no ryūdōka) - fluidization of the labor market; 就労促進 (shūrō sokushin) - promotion of employment; 移民政策 (imin seisaku) - immigration policy; 見直し (minaoshi) - reconsideration; 多角的 (takakuteki) - multifaceted; 大胆な (daitan na) - bold; 政策パッケージ (seisaku pakkēji) - policy package.
高齢者の孤立・孤独死問題は、単なる福祉課題として片付けられるべきではなく、地域社会のつながりの希薄化や、個人の尊厳の喪失といった、より根源的な社会病理の表れとして捉え、包括的な介入策を講じる必要がある。
The problem of isolation and lonely deaths among the elderly should not merely be dismissed as a welfare issue but should be understood as a manifestation of more fundamental social pathologies, such as the weakening of community ties and the loss of individual dignity, requiring comprehensive intervention measures.
片付けられるべきではない (katazukerareru beki dewa nai) - should not be dismissed/tidied away; 根源的な (kongen-teki na) - fundamental; 社会病理 (shakai byōri) - social pathology; 表れ (araware) - manifestation; 捉え (torae) - understanding/viewing; 包括的な介入策 (hōkatsu-teki na kaigo saku) - comprehensive intervention measures; 講じる (kōjiru) - to take/implement.
デジタル化の波は、高齢者層における情報格差を拡大させるリスクを孕む一方で、適切に活用されれば、彼らの社会参加を促進し、生活の質を向上させる可能性をも秘めている。
While the wave of digitalization carries the risk of widening the information gap among the elderly, if utilized appropriately, it also holds the potential to promote their social participation and improve their quality of life.
デジタル化の波 (dejitaru-ka no nami) - wave of digitalization; 情報格差 (jōhō kakusa) - information gap; 拡大させるリスク (kakudai saseru risuku) - risk of widening; 孕む (haramu) - to harbor/carry (risk); 一方で (ippō de) - on the other hand; 適切に (tekisetsu ni) - appropriately; 生活の質 (seikatsu no shitsu) - quality of life.
高齢者の活躍を社会全体で推進する政策は、単なる労働力確保の観点に留まらず、多様な経験や知見を持つ高齢者が社会に貢献し続けることで、世代間の相互理解を深め、社会全体の包容力を高めるという、より広範な社会的便益をもたらす。
Policies that promote the active participation of the elderly throughout society should not be limited to the perspective of securing labor but should bring broader social benefits, such as deepening intergenerational mutual understanding and enhancing the inclusivity of society as a whole, by allowing the elderly, who possess diverse experiences and knowledge, to continue contributing to society.
観点 (kanten) - perspective; 労働力確保 (rōdōryoku kakuho) - securing labor force; 〜に留まらず (ni todomara zu) - not limited to; 多様な経験や知見 (tayō na keiken ya chiken) - diverse experiences and knowledge; 社会に貢献し続ける (shakai ni kōken shi tsuzukeru) - to continue contributing to society; 相互理解 (sōgo rikai) - mutual understanding; 深める (fukameru) - to deepen; 包容力 (hōyōryoku) - inclusivity/capacity to embrace; 高める (takamu) - to enhance; 社会的便益 (shakai-teki ben'eki) - social benefits.
少子高齢化という未曾有の人口構造的変容に直面する日本が、その克服と持続可能な発展を両立させるためには、既存の社会システムを根本から見直し、大胆なイノベーションを断行するとともに、国民一人ひとりの意識改革を促す、統合的かつ戦略的なアプローチが不可欠である。
For Japan, facing an unprecedented demographic structural transformation of declining birth rates and an aging population, to achieve both its overcoming and sustainable development, an integrated and strategic approach is indispensable, which involves fundamentally reviewing existing social systems, carrying out bold innovations, and promoting a change in consciousness for each individual citizen.
未曾有の (mizō no) - unprecedented; 人口構造的変容 (jinkō kōzō-teki henyō) - demographic structural transformation; 克服 (kokufuku) - overcoming; 持続可能な発展 (jizoku kanōna hatten) - sustainable development; 両立させる (ryōritsu saseru) - to achieve both/reconcile; 既存の (kison no) - existing; 社会システム (shakai shisutemu) - social system; 根本から見直し (konpon kara minaoshi) - to review from the root; 大胆なイノベーション (daitan na inobēshon) - bold innovation; 断行する (dankō suru) - to carry out decisively; 国民一人ひとり (kokumin hitori hitori) - each and every citizen; 意識改革 (ishiki kaikaku) - change in consciousness; 促す (unagasu) - to promote; 統合的 (tōgō-teki) - integrated; 戦略的なアプローチ (senryaku-teki na apurōchi) - strategic approach.
近义词
反义词
常见搭配
常用短语
— Aging society. Refers to a society where a large proportion of the population is elderly.
日本は世界でも有数の高齢化社会です。
— Declining birth rate and aging population. A very common phrase highlighting two major demographic challenges.
少子高齢化は、日本の将来にとって大きな課題です。
— Aging rate or percentage of the elderly population. This is a statistical measure.
この国の高齢化率は25%を超えています。
— Measures or policies to address the aging population. This refers to actions taken by governments or organizations.
政府は、高齢化対策として新しい支援制度を導入しました。
— The aging population is progressing/advancing. This describes the ongoing trend.
世界的に高齢化が進んでいます。
— Impacts or effects caused by the aging population. This refers to the consequences of this demographic shift.
高齢化による影響は、経済、医療、社会保障など多岐にわたります。
— Rapid aging of the population. Emphasizes the speed of the demographic change.
日本は急速な高齢化に直面しており、対応が急がれています。
— Aging of rural areas. Highlights that this trend is often more pronounced in non-urban regions.
地方の高齢化は、地域社会の維持を困難にしています。
— The problem of the aging population. Refers to the challenges and issues associated with this demographic trend.
高齢化問題は、国際的な関心事となっています。
— Response or adaptation to an aging society. Refers to how society is adjusting to the changes.
高齢化社会への対応として、様々なサービスが開発されています。
容易混淆的词
高齢者 refers to elderly individuals, whereas 高齢化 refers to the demographic trend or process of a population becoming older. You can say '高齢者' are increasing due to '高齢化'.
老いる is a verb meaning 'to grow old' or 'to age' on a personal level. 高齢化 is a noun referring to the societal demographic shift.
長寿化 means 'increase in longevity'. It is a cause of 高齢化, but 高齢化 is the broader societal phenomenon of the population aging.
容易混淆
Both terms relate to old age. 高齢者 refers to the people, while 高齢化 refers to the societal trend.
高齢者 (kōreisha) is a noun meaning 'elderly person' or 'senior citizen'. It refers to individuals. 高齢化 (kōreika) is a noun meaning 'aging of the population' or 'population aging'. It refers to a demographic trend or process. For example, 'The number of 高齢者 is increasing due to 高齢化.'
高齢化が進むにつれて、高齢者の数が増えています。(As the population ages, the number of elderly people is increasing.)
Both relate to getting older. ōiru is a verb for personal aging, while kōreika is a noun for societal aging.
老いる (ōiru) is a verb meaning 'to grow old' or 'to age' on an individual level. It describes the personal process of becoming elderly. 高齢化 (kōreika) is a noun that describes the demographic phenomenon of a population becoming older on average, characterized by an increasing proportion of elderly individuals. You might say '人が老いる' (a person ages) but '人口が 齢化する' (the population ages - referring to the trend).
誰もがいずれ老いるが、社会全体の高齢化は別の問題だ。(Everyone will eventually grow old, but the aging of the population as a whole is a different issue.)
Both terms are related to increased lifespan and older populations.
長寿化 (chōjuka) means 'increase in longevity' or 'longevity'. It focuses on the fact that people are living longer. 高齢化 (kōreika) is the broader demographic trend where the proportion of elderly people in the population increases. This increase is *caused* by factors like 長寿化 (people living longer) and often also by a declining birth rate (少子化). So, 長寿化 is a contributing factor to 高齢化.
長寿化は医学の進歩によるものだが、それが高齢化社会の課題をさらに複雑にしている。(The increase in longevity is due to medical advancements, but it further complicates the challenges of an aging society.)
Both are demographic issues, often discussed in relation to rural areas, but they represent different trends.
過疎化 (kasoka) means 'depopulation' or 'decrease in population density', particularly in rural areas, often due to people moving to cities. 高齢化 (kōreika) means 'aging of the population'. While rural areas often experience both 過疎化 and severe 高齢化 (because young people leave and the remaining population ages), they are distinct phenomena. A place can experience 高齢化 without 過疎化 (e.g., a city where birth rates are low but people still move in), and vice versa (though less common).
地方では、過疎化と高齢化が同時に進行し、地域社会の維持が困難になっている。(In rural areas, depopulation and aging are progressing simultaneously, making the maintenance of local communities difficult.)
One is about population growth, the other about the population getting older.
人口増加 (jinkō zōka) refers to an increase in the total number of people in a population. This can happen due to high birth rates, immigration, or both. 高齢化 (kōreika) refers to the *composition* of the population, specifically the increasing proportion of elderly individuals. A population can be increasing (人口増加) while also aging rapidly (高齢化) if birth rates are low and life expectancy is high, and immigration is limited. Conversely, a population might be shrinking but still be aging.
一部の国では人口増加が続いているが、日本のように人口が高齢化している国も多い。(Some countries continue to experience population growth, but many countries, like Japan, have aging populations.)
句型
Noun + は + Noun + です。
これは<strong>高齢化</strong>です。(Kore wa <strong>kōreika</strong> desu.) - This is aging population.
Noun + が + Verb。
高齢化<strong>が進んでいます</strong>。(Kōreika <strong>ga susunde imasu</strong>.) - The aging population <strong>is progressing</strong>.
Noun + による + Noun。
高齢化<strong>による</strong>問題。(Kōreika <strong>ni yoru</strong> mondai.) - Problems <strong>due to</strong> the aging population.
Noun + は + Noun + を + 招く。
高齢化<strong>は</strong>労働力不足<strong>を招く</strong>。(Kōreika <strong>wa</strong> rōdōryoku fusoku <strong>o maneku</strong>.) - The aging population <strong>causes</strong> a labor shortage.
Noun + の + Noun。
高齢化<strong>社会</strong>。(Kōreika <strong>shakai</strong>.) - Aging <strong>society</strong>.
Noun + は + Noun + に + 留まらず、Noun + にまで + 及ぶ + Noun。
高齢化<strong>は</strong>単なる人口構成の変化<strong>に留まらず</strong>、経済システム<strong>にまで及ぶ</strong>影響がある。(Kōreika <strong>wa</strong> tannaru jinkō kōsei no henka <strong>ni todomara zu</strong>, keizai shisutemu <strong>ni made oyobu</strong> eikyō ga aru.) - The aging population has impacts that <strong>extend not only to</strong> simple changes in population composition <strong>but also to</strong> the economic system.
Noun + という + Noun。
高齢化<strong>という</strong>問題。(Kōreika <strong>to iu</strong> mondai.) - The problem <strong>called</strong> aging population.
Noun + は + Noun + に + 留まらず、Noun + 〜。
高齢化<strong>は</strong>、社会構造そのものを変容させる潜在的可能性<strong>を秘めている</strong>。(Kōreika <strong>wa</strong>, shakai kōzō sono mono o henyō saseru senzai-teki kanōsei <strong>o himete iru</strong>.) - The aging population <strong>holds the potential to transform</strong> the very structure of society.
词族
名词
形容词
相关
如何使用
High. This is a very common term in Japanese, especially in news and policy discussions.
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Using 高齢化 to refer to an elderly person.
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高齢者 (kōreisha) is used for an elderly person.
高齢化 (kōreika) is a noun referring to the demographic trend of a population aging. 高齢者 (kōreisha) is a noun referring to an individual elderly person. Saying '高齢化は元気です' (Kōreika wa genki desu - The aging population is healthy) is incorrect; you would say '高齢者は元気です' (Kōreisha wa genki desu - Elderly people are healthy).
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Confusing the process with the state.
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高齢化 (process) vs. 高齢化社会 (state).
高齢化 (kōreika) describes the dynamic process of a population getting older. 高齢化社会 (kōreika shakai) describes the resulting state of a society where this aging is prominent. You can say '高齢化が進んでいる' (the aging is progressing) or 'これは高齢化社会だ' (this is an aging society).
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Using 高齢化 as a verb.
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高齢化 is a noun; use verbs like 進む (susumu - to progress) or 進行する (shinkō suru - to advance).
高齢化 is a noun. It cannot be used as a verb directly. Instead, you would say something like '人口が高齢化する' (jinkō ga kōreika suru - the population ages), where 高齢化 functions as part of a verb phrase or is used with auxiliary verbs. More commonly, you'd use verbs like '進む' (susumu) or '進行する' (shinkō suru) with 高齢化 as the subject: '高齢化が進む' (kōreika ga susumu - aging progresses).
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Ignoring the '少子化' aspect when discussing Japan's demographics.
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Use 少子高齢化 (shōshi kōreika) when referring to both declining birth rates and aging.
While 高齢化 focuses solely on the aging population, Japan's demographic challenges are often described by the compound term 少子高齢化 (shōshi kōreika), which includes both the declining birth rate and the aging population. This combined term provides a more complete picture of the demographic situation.
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Using 高齢化 in informal, everyday conversation about personal aging.
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Use 老いる (ōiru) or 年を取る (toshi o toru) for personal aging.
高齢化 is a term for societal demographic trends. When talking about yourself or an individual getting older, use verbs like 老いる (ōiru) or 年を取る (toshi o toru). For example, '私は年を取りました' (Watashi wa toshi o torimashita - I have grown old) is correct, not '私は高齢化しました' (Watashi wa kōreika shimashita).
小贴士
Connect to Related Terms
When learning 高齢化, also learn related terms like 少子化 (declining birth rate), 高齢者 (elderly person), and 高齢化社会 (aging society). This helps build a richer understanding of the topic and its nuances.
Follow the News
Read Japanese news articles or watch news programs that discuss demographics and social issues. You'll frequently encounter 高齢化 and its related phrases, providing real-world context and usage examples.
Use it in Sentences
Actively try to use 高齢化 in your own sentences. Practice constructing phrases like '高齢化による問題' (problems due to aging) or '高齢化が進む' (aging is progressing) to solidify your understanding and usage.
Master the Pronunciation
Pay attention to the stress pattern (KO-reika) and the distinct vowel sounds. Clear pronunciation is key for being understood when discussing important societal terms like this.
Compare with Your Country
Think about how the concept of an aging population applies to your own country. Are the causes and consequences similar or different to Japan's? This comparative thinking can deepen your understanding.
Create Mnemonics
Use memory aids like associating 'Kōrei' with 'core' and 'ka' with 'going' to remember that the 'core' of society is 'going' towards being older. Find or create associations that work for you.
Understand the Cultural Context
Recognize that 高齢化 is a significant cultural and societal issue in Japan, influencing values, policies, and daily life. Understanding this context makes the word more meaningful.
Engage in Discussions
Discuss the topic of an aging population with Japanese speakers or fellow learners. Hearing how others use the term and explaining it yourself will reinforce your learning.
Break Down the Kanji
Understand that 高齢 (kōrei) means 'old age' and 化 (ka) means 'change' or '-ization'. This breakdown helps decipher the meaning and remember the word.
Apply to Real-World Scenarios
Think about how 高齢化 affects different aspects of society – from the economy and healthcare to family life and technology. Applying the term to these scenarios makes it more concrete.
记住它
记忆技巧
Imagine an old person (高齢 - kōrei) who is 'going' (化 - ka) through the process of becoming even older within the society. Kō-REI-KA, like 'core' of the society is getting 'older' and 'aging'.
视觉联想
Picture a graph where the bar for 'elderly people' is growing taller and taller, while the bar for 'young people' is shrinking. The word 高齢化 is written above this graph, emphasizing the trend.
Word Web
挑战
Try to explain the concept of 高齢化 to someone who has never heard of it, using simple terms and relating it to everyday observations like seeing more elderly people in public spaces or hearing about pension issues.
词源
The word 高齢化 (kōreika) is a compound word derived from classical Chinese characters, commonly used in modern Japanese. The first part, 高齢 (kōrei), means 'old age' or 'elderly'. The second part, 化 (ka), is a suffix indicating a process of change or 'ization'. Therefore, 高齢化 literally translates to 'the process of becoming elderly' or 'aging'. This structure is typical for abstract nouns describing societal or natural phenomena in Japanese.
原始含义： The combination signifies the transformation of a population towards an older demographic composition.
Japanese (Kanji borrowed from Chinese)文化背景
When discussing 高齢化, it's important to be sensitive. While it refers to a demographic trend, it's crucial to avoid language that stigmatizes or devalues elderly individuals. The focus should be on the societal challenges and opportunities presented by an aging population, rather than presenting it as an inherent problem with being old.
In English-speaking countries, terms like 'aging population', 'population aging', 'demographic aging', or 'grey population' are used. While the concept is universal, Japan's experience is often highlighted due to its extreme rate and early onset.
在生活中练习
真实语境
News reports and articles discussing demographic trends.
- 高齢化が進む (kōreika ga susumu)
- 高齢化社会 (kōreika shakai)
- 少子高齢化 (shōshi kōreika)
- 高齢化率 (kōreika ritsu)
Government policy discussions and white papers.
- 高齢化対策 (kōreika taisaku)
- 高齢化による影響 (kōreika ni yoru eikyō)
- 高齢化問題 (kōreika mondai)
- 高齢化への対応 (kōreika e no taiō)
Academic research in sociology, economics, and gerontology.
- 人口の高齢化 (jinkō no kōreika)
- 高齢化の進行 (kōreika no shinkō)
- 高齢化社会における課題 (kōreika shakai ni okeru kadai)
- 高齢化と経済成長 (kōreika to keizai seichō)
Discussions about social welfare and healthcare.
- 高齢化と医療費 (kōreika to iryōhi)
- 高齢化と年金制度 (kōreika to nenkin seido)
- 高齢者福祉 (kōreisha fukushi)
- 高齢化社会のサービス (kōreika shakai no sābisu)
Everyday conversations about societal changes.
- 最近、お年寄りが増えたね (saikin, otoshiyori ga fueta ne)
- この町は高齢化が進んでいる (kono machi wa kōreika ga susunde iru)
- 将来、どうなるんだろう？ (shōrai, dō naru n darō?)
对话开场白
"日本の高齢化についてどう思いますか？ (Nihon no kōreika ni tsuite dō omoimasu ka?)"
"あなたの国では、高齢化はどのような問題になっていますか？ (Anata no kuni de wa, kōreika wa dono yō na mondai ni natte imasu ka?)"
"高齢化が進む社会で、どのような工夫が必要だと思いますか？ (Kōreika ga susumu shakai de, dono yō na kufū ga hitsuyō da to omoimasu ka?)"
"高齢化によって、私たちの生活はどのように変わっていくでしょうか？ (Kōreika ni yotte, watashitachi no seikatsu wa dono yō ni kawatte iku deshō ka?)"
"少子高齢化という言葉を聞いたことがありますか？それはどのような意味だと思いますか？ (Shōshi kōreika to iu kotoba o kiita koto ga arimasu ka? Sore wa dono yō na imi da to omoimasu ka?)"
日记主题
Write about the main causes and consequences of the aging population in your country or a country you are familiar with. Use the term 高齢化.
Imagine you are a policymaker. What are three key measures you would implement to address the challenges of an aging society (高齢化社会)?
Discuss the potential positive and negative impacts of an aging population (高齢化) on the economy and social services.
Reflect on how the increasing number of elderly people (高齢者) might change community life and intergenerational relationships. Use the term 高齢化.
Compare and contrast the demographic challenges of your home country with those of Japan, specifically mentioning 高齢化.
常见问题
10 个问题The most direct translation of 高齢化 (kōreika) is 'aging of the population' or 'population aging'. It specifically refers to the demographic trend where the average age of a population increases, leading to a higher proportion of elderly people.
The primary causes of 高齢化 are two interconnected demographic trends: 1. Declining birth rates (少子化 - shōshika), meaning fewer children are being born, thus reducing the proportion of young people. 2. Increasing life expectancy (長寿化 - chōjuka), meaning people are living longer due to advancements in healthcare and living conditions. When fewer young people are born and people live longer, the population naturally becomes older on average.
高齢化 has numerous consequences. Economically, it can lead to a shrinking workforce, increased demand on pension and healthcare systems, and shifts in consumer markets. Socially, it can affect family structures, increase the need for elder care services, and potentially lead to a higher dependency ratio (more elderly dependents per working-age person). It also impacts urban planning and public services.
高齢化 is a natural demographic phenomenon that occurs as societies develop and living standards improve. However, it presents significant challenges that require societal adaptation and policy responses. Therefore, while the aging itself is natural, the *problems* it creates and the *way societies respond* to it are often discussed as issues requiring solutions.
高齢化 (kōreika) refers to the aging of the population, meaning the proportion of older people increases. 少子化 (shōshika) refers to the declining birth rate, meaning fewer children are born. These two trends often occur together and are frequently discussed as a combined issue: 少子高齢化 (shōshi kōreika).
While the trend has been developing for decades, 高齢化 became a major societal and political topic in Japan from the late 20th century onwards, as the country's demographics shifted rapidly. Japan is now considered a 'super-aged society'.
Yes, there can be positive aspects. Increased life expectancy means people can enjoy longer lives, gain more wisdom and experience, and potentially contribute to society in new ways, such as through volunteering or part-time work. It can also lead to the development of new industries and services catering to the elderly. However, these positives need to be balanced against the significant challenges.
The term for 'aging society' is 高齢化社会 (kōreika shakai). It describes a society characterized by a high proportion of elderly people as a result of the process of 高齢化.
The statistical measure is usually referred to as the 高齢化率 (kōreika ritsu), which is the percentage of the population aged 65 and over (or sometimes 60 and over, depending on the definition used).
Yes, it's possible. If a country has a growing population primarily due to high birth rates, but also has increasing life expectancy and a declining birth rate among certain segments, it can still experience an increase in the *proportion* of elderly people, leading to 高齢化, even if the total population is growing. However, the most common scenario for rapid 高齢化 involves low birth rates and high life expectancy, which can lead to a shrinking or stagnant total population.
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Summary
Kōreika (高齢化) signifies the societal process of a population aging, driven by declining birth rates and rising life expectancy, leading to significant socio-economic and policy challenges.
- Kōreika describes the demographic trend of a population aging.
- It's caused by low birth rates and longer life expectancies.
- This impacts society, economy, and healthcare systems.
- Often discussed in news and policy contexts.
Connect to Related Terms
When learning 高齢化, also learn related terms like 少子化 (declining birth rate), 高齢者 (elderly person), and 高齢化社会 (aging society). This helps build a richer understanding of the topic and its nuances.
Follow the News
Read Japanese news articles or watch news programs that discuss demographics and social issues. You'll frequently encounter 高齢化 and its related phrases, providing real-world context and usage examples.
Use it in Sentences
Actively try to use 高齢化 in your own sentences. Practice constructing phrases like '高齢化による問題' (problems due to aging) or '高齢化が進む' (aging is progressing) to solidify your understanding and usage.
Master the Pronunciation
Pay attention to the stress pattern (KO-reika) and the distinct vowel sounds. Clear pronunciation is key for being understood when discussing important societal terms like this.
例句
日本の高齢化社会は急速に進んでいる。
相关内容
更多sociology词汇
属性
B1人或事物固有的性质或特征。常用于数据分析或游戏分类。
同調
B2使自己的意见或行为与他人保持一致；服从团体或特定频率。(To align one's opinions or actions with others; to conform to a group or a specific frequency.)
異文化理解
B2理解并尊重与自己不同的价值观、行为和文化。这是我们互联世界中促进和平与合作的关键技能。
人口動態
B2人口统计研究，包括人口规模、结构和分布，以及由于出生、死亡和迁移而随时间变化的情况。
差別
B2对不同类别的人进行不公正或有偏见的对待。它也可以指做出区别。
多様
B2Having many different types, forms, or characteristics; diverse. It is widely used to discuss social, biological, or cultural variety.
多様化
B2形式或内容变得多样化的过程。通常用于描述生活方式或商业策略的变化。
支配的
B2他有一种令同事感到畏惧的支配性性格。
倫理的
B2企业不仅要追求利润，还要承担伦理（倫理的）责任。
搾取
B2为了自己的利益而不公平地利用某人或某物，尤其是在劳动或经济方面。剥削工人是不可容忍的行为。
