Japan’s model could improve life for older people everywhere.
A common feature of these innovations is that they meet older people where they are, metaphorically and physically, rather than demand that they either conform to the lifestyles of the young or live in neglect. It helps that Japan has a national health-care system that financially supports new models for medical care such as Tanoue’s, and that the government invests in activities beyond medicine that can help prevent aging-related illness, in part because of the savings.
The U.S. government, too, could save money by supporting healthy, active lifestyles for the aging. “Providing Medicare at 65 makes no sense if people are so beat up from being unhealthy till age 65,” said Le. “It’s going to be more expensive, and they are going to be sicker. The preventive care keeps the elderly population healthier in Japan so that they can work longer — that’s where the U.S. can do much better.
I met Le and several Japanese aging innovators recently while taking part in the U.S.-Japan Leadership Program, which brings together American and Japanese delegates under age 45 to learn from one another. What struck me was the thoughtfulness with which the Japanese delegates spoke about not just their elders but also the aging process and the possibility that it could involve greater dignity.
It’s a gift to receive wisdom from the old, but a rarer gift still to receive a missive from the future. Following some Japanese exemplars could make life better for people living longer in all parts of the world — and for all the caregivers and societies that face the steep costs and stark realities of aging populations.
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