Taiwan's aging population continues to rise

TAIPEI - Taiwan's aging population continued to rise as the island has entered the stage of an "aged society," according to the latest statistics from its internal affairs authority.

Data showed that the island's population reached 23.59 million in late July, with the group aged 65 or above accounting for 14.94 percent.

The proportion of a society's population that is comprised of persons aged 65 or older is called "the aging rate." The labels of aging, aged, and super-aged societies refer to those with an aging rate above 7 percent, 14 percent, and 20 percent, respectively.

Taiwan's aging rate broke the 14 percent mark at the end of March 2018.

The latest statistics showed that Taiwan's average life expectancy reached 80.4 years, above the global average. Fifteen cities and counties have registered an aging rate above 15 percent, with Chiayi county peaking at nearly 20 percent.

Taiwan is expected to enter the stage of super-aged society in 2026, the island's economic planner estimated.