The world’s population is getting older and in some places — especially Taiwan — at a relatively quick pace. Nine per cent of the world’s population is over 65 years old. In East and Southeast Asia, that figure jumps to 11 per cent. In Taiwan, 14 per cent of the population is over the age of 65 and will reach 20 per cent by 2026. Meanwhile the working population, aged between 15–64 years, peaked in 2015 and began shrinking in 2016. The working-age population is estimated to shrink by 8.5 million over the next 40 years.

It will take 82 years for the world to move from an ageing society to a super-aged society, meaning that the proportion of people aged 65 and above will increase from 7 per cent to 21 per cent. For Taiwan, South Korea, Singapore and Japan it will take only 30 years for a super-aged society to appear. There is approximately 6–7 years left for Taiwan and South Korea to prepare and respond properly. Indeed, the G20 recently declared that ‘a rapidly ageing population is a major global risk and domestic problem’.

To help promote senior employment in East Asia’s productive welfare states as well as increase the supply of labour and reduce the impact of labour shortages, employment and anti-discrimination legislation for seniors is extremely important in ensuring that job opportunities are available to everyone, regardless of age.

Japan, South Korea and Singapore implemented legislation relating to senior employment relatively early: 1971, 1991 and 2012 respectively. During the past decade, advocates have worked to implement similar legislative regulation in Taiwan. President Tsai Ing-wen’s moves to reduce working hours to 40 hours a week and implement inclusive senior employment legislation comprise two such regulations. Labourers have two days off a week in the hope of alleviating long working hours and creating a better work−life balance. This policy also hopes to address the low fertility rate that has resulted amid the first two tumultuous years in government for the DPP who have struggled to revise the Labour Standards Act. Currently, senior employment legalisation is pending discussion and approval by the Legislative Yuan.

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