Topic N2
Japanese Learning
19. Society - Discussing the Aging Population Problem
N2 Conversation Lesson 19 - Society - Discussing the Aging Population Problem
💬Dialogue
最近、ニュースでも「少子高齢化」が深刻な問題として取り上げられていますね。
Recently, "declining birthrate and aging population" has been taken up in the news as a serious problem.
ええ。特に地方では労働力が不足していて、産業の維持が難しくなっているようです。
That's right. Especially in rural areas, there is a shortage of labor, and it seems that maintaining industries is becoming difficult.
ええ。今の社会システムのままでは、高齢者を支える現役世代の負担が増す一方であることは否めません。
Yes. It cannot be denied that the burden on the working generation that supports the elderly is only increasing under the current social system.
はい。単に定年を延長するのみならず、AIやロボットの活用をさらに進めるべきだとの意見も多いですね。
Yes. There are many opinions that we should not only extend the retirement age but also further advance the use of AI and robots.
そうですね。ただ、高齢者といえども、生きがいや孤独死といった問題は無視できません。
I agree. However, even for the elderly, issues such as the meaning of life and lonely death cannot be ignored.
おっしゃる通りです。地域コミュニティの再構築を抜きにしては、解決に至らない局面に来ています。
Correct. We have reached a point where a solution cannot be reached without rebuilding local communities.
未来の社会においては、年齢に関わらず誰もが自分らしく活躍できる環境作りが求められていますね。
In the future society, an environment where everyone can be active in their own way regardless of age is required.
ええ。一筋縄ではいかない問題ですが、技術革新を皮切りに一気に議論を加速させる必要がありそうです。
Yes. It's not a straightforward problem, but it seems necessary to accelerate the discussion all at once, starting with technological innovations.
⭐Key Expressions
～一方だ
Used to describe a situation that continues to change in one direction (often negative).
～といえども
Used to present a condition that seems obvious but has exceptions or other aspects.
～を皮切りに
Describes an event that triggers a series of similar following events.
～といった
Used to provide concrete examples belonging to a group.
📚Vocabulary
増す一方
ますいっぽう
only increasing
否めない
いなめない
undeniable
のみならず
のみならず
not only ... but also
といえども
といえども
even / even though
抜きにしては
ぬきにしては
without / leaving out
皮切りに
かわきりに
starting with
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