Aging in Japan

E-ISSN： 2160-1917|5|2|33-41

ISSN： 2160-1909

Source： The International Journal of Aging and Society, Vol.5, Iss.2, 2015-01, pp. : 33-41

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Abstract

In the field of sustainable science, there has been an emerging understanding that sustainable development is not a fixed state of being. Instead, the science is reflecting an ongoing process that includes people-centered resilient approaches that can respond effectively to crisis situations. Considered as one of the oldest countries globally, Japan often serves as a model for other countries who are trying to address ongoing issues of aging. A current review of literature suggests that, in fact, countries are looking to Japan for learning lessons with regards to aging. Therefore, an in depth analysis of these sources could offer meaningful findings which supports an intersection issues of aging and resilient solutions. More specifically, this paper proposes that a content analysis of available published research data be conducted over past 15 years (1999-2013). Overall our goal is to establish a comprehensive view of the examples and best practices as well as illustrating lessons learned sought by universities, governments, intergovernmental organizations, United Nations and non-governmental agencies. The objective to reach this goal will help to: (1) identify, define, summarize and categorize the lessons learned from Japan with regards to aging; (2) clearly outline and conceptualize a more comprehensive view of resilience; and (3) to center our efforts on developing useful measurements of sustainability practices which reflect the underlying shift to resilience. Thus, the significance of the outcome of this proposed research is that it contributes to theoretical debates, methodology measurement tools, and other more practical implications within the field of Sustainability science. Future studies in this area are also discussed. Looking through the lens of sustainability, and thus resilient practices, we are already witnessing other countries looking to Japan for learning lessons as a means of addressing issues of aging as global crisis. Our next step is to conceptually organize what these learning lessons represent as means of contributing to a theoretical base for the shift of sustainability to resilient solutions in Aging.