Elderly in Japan Jinghao Lu April 21, 2009
Oct 28, 2014
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!