[Tor3]

The problem is that the transition period is not a transition period, as long as the birthrate is too low the population will continue to be age-heavy, and that will always be a problem. As for resources, Japan's resources are of the type which need people to work them (seafood, rice, other agriculture, and industry). So a population decline just makes it worse. They already have problems with rice fields, even with machinery and automation - a lot of rice fields are run by very old people at this point. The resources just aren't there for the picking for those left, to put it that way.

[Gud]

In theory, isn't the problem actually that older people are unable to work? What if we are on the brink of reversing the aging process, thus bringing the elderly back into the work force? OK, I understand it sounds a bit dystopian.

I'm just thinking there might be more solutions to consider than "make more children". Automation, robotic assistance, age reversal etc.

[RestlessMind]

> I'm just thinking there might be more solutions to consider than "make more children". Automation, robotic assistance, age reversal etc.

Age reversal is interesting. If that happens and everyone can be in their 20's forever, nothing like it. But automation or robots? Close your eyes and imagine a town where the youngest person is 68yo with only robots to take care of the entire town. That scenario seems fucking dystopian to me. YMMV.

[quickthrower2]

Dystopian… until you are 68 yourself then it sounds pretty cool

[RestlessMind]

You mean, you find the idea of you being 68 and the youngest person in your town a cool one? Which is why I said YMMV. For me, it is a terrible nightmare.