Policy and Program Measures for Successful Aging in Japan

Studies on successful aging have typically focused on individual-level, particularly health-related, determinants. In this chapter, we shift the attention to social structural factors which are at the same time as important. Framed within the Japanese social context, we examined the macro policy and program measures that were implemented in Japan to promote the successful aging of its rapidly graying population. We discussed policies in four pertinent areas of concern: healthcare, employment, active aging, and aging-in-place. Japan’s universal healthcare system and the introduction of a national long-term care insurance coverage in 2000 for all Japanese aged 65 and over play a critical role in the provision of affordable health and long-term care as well as lessening the burden of family caregivers. Health promotion and illness prevention measures were also undertaken in the national health program, Healthy Japan 21. Employment measures include extending the retirement age, promoting continual employment, securing the re-employment of older workers, and providing short-term and temporary job opportunities for retirees who may prefer more flexible work arrangements. Older Japanese people are also encouraged to remain active by participating in volunteer activities both locally and overseas. Finally, housing and transportation policies were implemented to enable older Japanese to age-in-place.