Abstract:

In an introduction to a special journal issue on Japan's aging society (see related abstracts), the nation's aging demographic trends & their implications are examined. Japan is aging more rapidly than any other society in the world; spurred by fertility reduction & infectious disease control, Japan's age 65+ population will compose 20% of the its entire population by the year 2009 & nearly one out of every three adults will be age 65+. Several economic implications are discussed: (1) larger health & social service costs; (2) increased costs of home-based social services; & (3) the need for resources to provide for the elderly's economic security. In response to the aging of its population, Japan has implemented the 10-year Gold Plan, to shape an infrastructure for public services in health & welfare for the aged. The concept of ikigai, which refers to the need for the elderly to feel they have purpose in life, is highlighted in relation to policy.