Elderly in Japan

Jinghao LuApril 21, 2009

Overview

How does Japan support its aging population Demography Family Support Social Security Technological Support

Demography--Aging Society

In 2005, 20% of the population are 65+

Source: http://uk.reuters.com/news/globalcoverage/ageingjapan

Demography--Fertility Rate

Why is Japan aging?

1. Fertility Rate is dropping.

Demography--Life Expectancy

Why is Japan aging?

2. Life expectancy continues to rise

Male: 78.6 years

Female: 85.5 years

women

men

Family Care--Living Arrangement

Declining three generation household History Today’s dilemma

Public Care--Pension

National Pension Schemes (NPS) Employees’ Pension Scheme (EPS)

Public Care--Long-term Care

Kaigo Hoken: Long-term Care insurance policy (2000) Cause and Goal Benefits: both at home and at facilities Eligibility: 65+ and 40-65 with disabilities Financing: pay-as-you-go Co-payment: 10% for the users Providers: mainly non-profit

Public Care--Community Care

Source: http://www.jce.org.uk/objectives_JP.php

Nursing home In-home care

Technology--Robot Nurse

Issue: facing a serious shortage of caregivers

Robot Nurse

Japanese robot nurseSource: www.medindia.net

Technology--“Paro”

Mental Commitment Robot Seal robot “Paro” vs. Alzheimer’s

Disease

Paro at nursing home in JapanSource: http://paro.jp/english/therapy.html

Robot “Paro”

Conclusion

A rise in living standard and drop in fertility rate are the fundamental basis of increased life expectancy.

Japan’s social security system has played a large role in extending the life of the elderly.

There are struggles existing in who should take care of the elderly.

Technological support will be more important.

Thank you for listening!