COVER STORY • 1 Living Well in ’s Aging Society

By Hinohara Shigeaki

The Challenges Facing Japan’s This is attributed to the fact that ued increase in the number of seniors Rapidly Aging Society Japan has the world’s lowest birthrate, at and the continued decline in the 1.29 (2003), while the number of peo- birthrate. This will not only lead to a Nowhere in the world is a population ple living to be 65 or older and 75 or decrease in national productivity, but aging more rapidly than that of Japan. older is increasing at a remarkable pace. also induce higher healthcare costs, A nation is said to be an aging society Japan’s declining total special which in turn threatens to throw the when its senior population aged 65 or birthrate (the birthrate) and aging trends Japanese economy into a serious crisis. older exceeds 7% of the total population are expected to continue – and to con- and an aged society when that figure tribute to growing healthcare costs. Advocating the reaches 14%. The senior population in As of April 2004, 24.66 million “New Elder Citizen” Japan grew from 7% (1970) to more seniors representing nearly one-fifth of than 14% in only 24 years. the population were aged 65 or older in The average life expectancy among the Figure 1 shows the speed of popula- Japan and as many as 10.88 million of Japanese was 68 until about 36 years ago tion aging in six countries, including these were aged 75 or older. when seniors were defined as those aged Japan. It took 115 years for the percent- Also, while there were only 153 peo- 65 or older. Given that life expectancy age of seniors in France to grow from ple over the age of 100 in 1963, there is now approaching 82, however, it is 7% to 14%. In the United States, the were 23,038 in Japan in going to be become increasingly difficult senior population is expected to reach 2004. The average life expectancy at to define people aged 65 or older as 14% in 2013, 71 years after it crossed birth among the Japanese is 78.36 for seniors and to provide them with ser- the 7% threshold. males and 85.33 for females (2003 fig- vices such as social and medical The speed of the ’s pop- ures), for an overall average of 81.84. benefits for the elderly. This is especial- ulation is especially striking when com- This is the highest life expectancy for ly true given the expectations about pared to these Western cultures. females in the world. Japan’s economic capabilities in the Current predictions suggest that the These trends mean that Japan is the future. I have therefore reached the population of seniors aged 65 or older is most rapidly aging population in the conclusion that the definition of “senior going to hit 27.8% of the total popula- world. Japan’s productive population is citizen” should be adjusted by 10 years, tion in 2025. going to decline as a result of the contin- from someone aged 65 or older to some-

Figure 1 International comparison of the number of elderly to the total population

Source: UN, The Sex and Age Distribution of World Population, 1998

6 JAPAN SPOTLIGHT • January / February 2005

27.8% (2025)

Line of 14% (ratio of elderly over 65 to the total population)

Japan (24 years)

USA (71 years) (40 years) France (115 years) United Kingdom (40 years)

Sweden (85 years) COVER STORY • 1

one aged 75 or older. spirit. This spirit will arouse deep Finally, always maintain an attitude of Using the title “New Elder Citizen,” I sympathy for others, and extend gratitude, be willing to volunteer and launched a senior citizens’ group in comfort to people who have lost stay active in social activities, pursue September 2000 to help inspire seniors hope in life. rewarding hobbies, and plan opportuni- aged 75 or older to remain healthy and 4. To remember to keep a feeling of ties to share the results with others. active. This is a group for elderly people loving care for others and gratitude Approach every day with an attitude who may have a chronic age-related ill- for our daily life. that will allow you, at the end of your life, ness, but who are mentally independent 5. To be aware that it is never too late to be grateful for the life you were given. and have a healthy spirit. to create something even in the days This is my approach to living well. The group is called “The Society of of old age. the New Elder Citizens,” and as of Hinohara Shigeaki, M.D.is the honorary November 2004, four years after its Hope is something that is engraved in director of St. Luke’s International Hospital in inception, it has a membership of 3,400 your heart. Even when your internal . He is also the chairman of the seniors through Japan (except a few for- mountain of hope is obscured by clouds Association of the New Elder Citizens. eigners). so that you cannot see its peak, believe that it is still there – hidden only tem- porarily from view – and remain stead- Illustration: Inagaki Taketaka Lifestyles of the New Elder Citizen fast until relief arrives. Members of the Society are people These notions who, in spite of their chronic age-related are derived from a illnesses or other specific healthcare sense of spirituality, but needs, have an independent and healthy there are also some spe- mindset and approach each day with a cific physical steps for aging successfully. positive, forward-looking attitude. This Keep your total intake to 1,300 to movement already has 10 local chapters 1,500 kcal per day, limit your con- nationwide. sumption of animal fats, sugar I have developed three slogans to be and salt, and eat plenty of used as guidelines by these elder citizens: brightly colored vegetables. Consume plenty of vegetable 1. To love. oil and strive to maintain 2. To initiate. roughly the same body weight you 3. To endure. had when you were 30. Because old age makes it easier for bones to I recommend that people strive to live break in a fall, be especially careful according to the words of the poet when walking. However, main- William Wordsworth, who advocated tain good posture, take long “plain living and high thinking.” strides, and use the muscles in your legs, arms, back and Tips for Successful Aging neck. Be careful when going up or down I recommend that all who would stairs. aspire to being a New Elder Citizen adopt the following five practices:

1. To acquire a favorable life style. 2. To keep an active relationship with the society, maintaining close ties of friendship regardless of race or gen- eration. 3. To possess hope and faith, with strength and power to endure any difficulties and disasters which we may encounter, with an indomitable

JAPAN SPOTLIGHT • January / February 2005 7