Japan should aim to become an "ageless society," where people aged 65 or older will not be automatically regarded as seniors but will be encouraged to stay healthy and work, according to a draft of a revised government policy on the elderly released Wednesday.

The draft, marking the first revision in five years of the country's policy on the elderly, also said people should be allowed to delay the age they start receiving public pensions, to over 70, with the government hoping they will continue to be part of the labor force even after retirement.

Currently the elderly start receiving pensions from 65 in principle, but can choose to start at any time between the ages of 60 and 70. The monthly total increases the more the starting age is delayed.