Aging Southeast Asia grapples with weak social safety nets

TOKYO -- Southeast Asia is graying fast, with the share of working-age individuals in the total population seen reversing its uptrend this year.

Demographic dividends have helped spur the region's economic growth, but social safety nets remain inadequate in many countries. Despite early retirement ages, only a quarter of the overall working-age population -- those ages 15 to 64 -- have access to state pensions. With the demographic bonuses running out, many nations have come under pressure to bolster social safety nets to ensure the well-being of the elderly.