The government on Friday approved an outline for raising the optional age for tapping public pensions to 71 or older to address the national labor shortage stemming from Japan's falling birthrate and rapidly graying population.
The ministry will consider revising the related laws in fiscal 2020 to encourage people in their 60s or older to continue working.
The ministry's outline notes that older adults are physically healthier than previous generations and are highly motivated to continue working or participate in community activities.