Japan: super-aging society preparing for the future

Gerontologist. 2011 Aug;51(4):425-32. doi: 10.1093/geront/gnr067.

Abstract

Japan has the highest proportion of older adults in the world. Aging is not only an immediate personal issue but also a salient factor in crucial public policies, such as pensions, health, and long-term care. The Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear power plant disaster of March 2011 has highlighted current and emerging issues of a "super-aging" society, especially the need for community-based support systems.

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Aging* / physiology
  • Aging* / psychology
  • Disaster Planning
  • Earthquakes
  • Forecasting
  • Health Services Needs and Demand / trends
  • Health Services for the Aged / organization & administration*
  • Humans
  • Japan
  • Life Expectancy / trends
  • Long-Term Care / trends
  • Public Policy* / trends
  • Social Support