Taiwan and Japan record historic rise in older‑worker employment

Taiwan’s labour ministry reports that the participation rate of workers aged 45‑64 has climbed to a record 67.2%, reflecting a growing trend of senior employees re‑entering the job market. The story highlights 64‑year‑old 阿霞, who, after years out of work, was matched by the Chiayi Employment Center to a position at Lukong Industrial Co., Ltd., where she has now completed three years of stable employment. Government programmes such as temporary‑work subsidies, the Workplace Learning and Re‑adaptation Plan, and employment‑incentive schemes have been credited with supporting her transition.

In Japan, the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare’s latest “Elderly Employment Situation Report” shows the highest ever number of older workers, with the employment rate for those aged 75 and over continuing to rise. While most companies have secured positions for employees up to age 65, challenges remain around the prevalence of non‑regular contracts and delayed adjustments for workers aged 70 and above.