English version - Fit for Work Europe

Japan has an older population compared with many other countries: the proportion of the
population aged 65 years and over has risen from 17.4 per cent in 2000 to 23.1 per cent in
2010, and is predicted to reach 40 per cent by 2050. 29 Between 2000 and 2010, the proportion
of those 80 years old and over increased from 2.7 per cent to 6.5 per cent. 30 Evidence suggests
that there is a greater chance of deteriorating health – particularly higher rates of MSD
prevalence – among the older cohorts of the workforce (see Figure 7.3). Prevalence of muscular
pain was highest in people in their 40s (18.6 per cent), followed by those in their 30s (18.3 per
cent) and 50s (17 per cent) (Nakamura et al., 2011).
Figure 7.3. Health concerns of outpatients aged 65 and over
Age 75 and over
31
Age 65-75
22.1% 24.30%
18.8% 17.80% 16.40%
6.60%
0.90%
7.90%
7% 30.30%
7.50% 31.5%
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Individuals with lower socioeconomic status are found to be more likely to have arthritis and
musculoskeletal conditions, which have a further detrimental impact on their quality of life. It
is suggested that arthritis-related disabilities reduce opportunities for employment and higher
education, which in turn decreases the likelihood of effective self-management of arthritis
29 See OECD http://stats.oecd.org/
30 See OECD http://stats.oecd.org/
31 See MHLW Health Statistics http://www.mhlw.go.jp/english/database/db-hss/hs2007.html
MSDs and individuals
Diseases of the musculoskeletal
system and connective tissue
Diseases of the circulatory system
Diseases of the digestive system
Factors influencing health status
and contact with health services
Endocrine, nutritional and
metabolic diseases
Others
Source: MHLW Health Statistics 31
Fit For Work? Musculoskeletal Disorders and the Japanese Labour Market 71