Ageing and health in Japan

The paper identifies several specific factors related to health in old age which in Japan appear to be different from other developed countries. These factors are explored in the context of Japanese culture and social change. In the context of the high Japanese level of longevity, the paper presents data on life span and improvements of average life expectancy and the major causes of death among middle-aged and older persons, emphasizing international comparisons and traditional culture. Attention is drawn to the high proportion of bedfast elderly people and the effects of filial piety. Differences in the prevalence of dementia and suicide in old age are also discussed.