Abstract:

The current state of aging policy implementation in Japan & problems & issues of the rural elderly are examined. Japan's 1994 Gold Plan sharply increased services to the elderly, but its implementation in rural areas has encountered numerous obstacles: (1) depopulation & resulting shortage of young workers; (2) disproportionately large numbers of elderly; (3) geographical & physical isolation; (4) conservative political climate; & (5) conservative attitudes of the elderly. Issues related to the full implementation of the Gold Plan include: (A) national-local cost sharing; (B) lack of coordination, cooperation, & integration of various health care & social welfare services; (C) use of computers & interactive TV; (4) lack of qualified & competent workers in rural areas; & (5) cultural attitudes toward family responsibilities for care of the elderly & resistance to seeking help from those outside the family.