Topic N1
Japanese Learning
Society - The Aging Population and Intergenerational Solidarity
N1 Conversation lesson 21: Society - The Aging Population and Intergenerational Solidarity
💬Dialogue
我が国が直面している未曾有の少子高齢化は、社会保障費の膨張や労働力不足など、国家の根幹を揺るがす喫緊の課題となっています。
The unprecedented low birthrate and aging population our country is facing has become an urgent challenge that shakes the very foundations of the nation, such as the swelling of social security costs and labor shortages.
ええ。とりわけ、現役世代に過度な負担を強いる現在の年金や医療制度は限界に達しており、抜本的な構造改革が不可避な状況です。
Yes. In particular, the current pension and medical systems, which impose an excessive burden on the working generation, have reached their limits, and a drastic structural reform is unavoidable.
そうした中で懸念されるのは、資源の分配を巡って若年層と高齢者層との間に生じる、世代間の分断や対立構造が深刻化することです。
Amidst this, what is concerning is the deepening of intergenerational division and conflict structure that arises between the youth and the elderly over the distribution of resources.
おっしゃる通りです。しかし、世代間でゼロサムゲームを繰り広げて互いに疲弊するのではなく、双方が恩恵を享受できる「全世代型社会保障」への転換が求められています。
Exactly as you say. However, instead of unfolding a zero-sum game between generations and exhausting each other, a transition to an "all-generation type social security" where both sides can enjoy benefits is required.
はい。高齢者を単なる「支えられる側」と規定する固定観念から脱却し、彼らの豊かな知識や熟練した技能をいかに社会に還元していくかが鍵となります。
Yes. Breaking away from the stereotype defining the elderly simply as the "supported side," the key lies in how to give back their rich knowledge and profound skills to society.
ええ。年齢や性別に関わらず、意欲と能力のある者がいつまでも活躍できる「生涯現役社会」の実現こそが、労働力不足を補う有効な手立てになり得ます。
Yes. Regardless of age or gender, realizing an "active-for-life society" where motivated and capable individuals can actively contribute indefinitely can become an effective measure to compensate for labor shortages.
ただ制度を弄るだけでなく、地域のレベルでも多世代が自然に交わり、相互に補完し合えるような包摂的なコミュニティの醸成が不可欠ですね。
Not just tweaking the system, but fostering an inclusive community at the local level where multiple generations naturally interact and mutually complement each other is indispensable.
はい。「若者が高齢者を支える」という一方通行の構図ではなく、高齢者が地域の子育て支援に参加するなど、双方向の支え合いのメカニズムを構築すべきです。
Yes. Rather than a one-way structure of "the young supporting the elderly," we should build mechanisms of two-way mutual support, such as the elderly participating in childcare support in the local area.
ええ。さらには、テクノロジーの活用によって介護の負担を飛躍的に軽減し、誰もが最期まで尊厳を持って生きられる環境を整えることも急務です。
Yes. Furthermore, drastically reducing the burden of nursing care by utilizing technology, and preparing an environment where everyone can live with dignity until their last moments is also an urgent task.
その通りです。我々が目指すべきは、世代間の対立を煽る排他的な社会ではなく、対話を通じて互いの痛みを分かち合い、共生していく社会です。
Exactly. What we should aim for is not an exclusive society that incites conflict among generations, but a society of coexistence that shares each other's pains through dialogue.
ええ。未来を担う子どもたちのために、どのような社会を遺すべきか。それは今を生きるすべての世代が連帯して取り組むべき、歴史的な責務に他なりません。
Yes. What kind of society should we leave behind for the children who will bear the future? That is nothing other than a historical duty that all generations living today must unite to tackle.
はい。年齢という垣根を越え、一人ひとりが持ち味を発揮しながら支え合える「しなやかで強靭な社会」を、共に築き上げていきたいですね。
Yes. Beyond the barriers of age, we want to build a "resilient and tough society" together, where individuals can support each other while exhibiting their own unique strengths.
⭐Key Expressions
～（を）巡って
Indicates a subject or issue that causes arguments, opposition, or struggles.
～（を）社会に還元する / ～還元していく
Describes using gained interests, knowledge, or skills to serve the community.
～（不可避だ） / ～不可避な
Emphasizes that something will surely happen and cannot be prevented or evaded.
～（に）他ならない / ～他なりません
Used to strongly assert the core cause or true nature of something.
❓Questions
Aは、世代間で生じるどのような問題を懸念していますか。
Bは、労働力不足を補う有効な手立てとして何を挙げていますか。
システムや制度だけでなく、地域レベルで不可欠だとされていることは何ですか。
「煽る」の読み方と意味はどれですか。
📚Vocabulary
膨張する
ぼうちょうする
to swell / inflate (costs)
過度な
かどな
excessive
抜本的
ばっぽんてき
drastic / fundamental
分断
ぶんだん
division
脱却する
だっきゃくする
to break away from / emerge from
包摂的
ほうせつてき
inclusive
補完する
ほかんする
to complement
煽る
あおる
to incite / stir up
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