The provided line graph illustrates the changes and projected trends in the proportion of the population aged 65 and over in Japan, Sweden, and the USA, spanning a period of 100 years from 1940 to 2040. It is clear that all three nations are experiencing a general upward trend in their elderly populations over the entire period. Notably, Japan is forecast to witness the most dramatic increase, eventually holding the highest proportion, while the USA is expected to maintain the lowest share among the three by 2040. In 1940, the USA had the highest proportion of its population aged 65 and over, at approximately 9%. Sweden was close behind at around 7%, whereas Japan recorded the lowest at just 5%. Over the next four decades, both the USA and Sweden saw their figures rise steadily, reaching about 15% and nearly 14% respectively by 1980. During this period, Japan's proportion remained relatively stable, hovering below 5% until the late 1980s. By 2000, Sweden's elderly population had peaked at almost 20%, while the USA's share stabilised around 15%. Japan, however, began a significant ascent, reaching around 14% by the same year. By 2020, Sweden's percentage had slightly decreased to 18%, while the USA's stood at approximately 15%, and Japan's continued its steep rise, reaching about 18%. Looking ahead from 2020, a substantial surge is projected for all three countries, particularly for Japan. Between 2020 and 2040, Japan’s elderly population is anticipated to climb sharply from 18% to nearly 28%, significantly surpassing both the USA and Sweden. Sweden is also expected to experience a considerable increase, moving from 18% to just over 25% by 2040, thereby becoming the second-highest. In contrast, the USA's proportion, though continuing to rise, is forecast to increase more gradually, reaching roughly 23% by 2040, remaining the lowest throughout the projected period.
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