Britain should learn from Japan to get more older people into work, a new report has urged. More education and retraining for over-50s, action against age discrimination and a renewed focus on health and obesity would all help to boost the employment of those nearing the retirement age, according to the Growth Commission. In Japan, more than three-quarters of those aged between 55 and 64 are economically active. By contrast, just 65pc of the same age group in Britain are in work. Japan has had to find ways to ensure its older people continue to work as it has confronted an ageing population. The country has the third oldest population in the world, with an average age of almost 50. The average age in the UK is estimated to be just over 40 but Britain’s population is also ageing as birth rates decline. Naohiro Yashiro, economist at Growth Commissioner, said: “The UK is facing its own ‘Japanification’ process over the coming years.” He said preventing age discrimination should become a bigger focus “as we move into an era where we need to maintain our workforces to pay for state pensions and increasing public health bills”. It comes amid growing concerns...