Creation of the ideal society for long life : Some challenges in Japan

Japan has become the country with the longest life expectancy. This is one of the biggest changes ever experienced. Faced with this situation, we are now obliged to create the new future society. Since much international attention has been focused on our efforts, recent moves in Japan towards research-based gerontology, the newly introduced long-term care insurance system, changes in the conception of death of aged people, and other various aspects were presented. Among these areas, the National Institute of Geriatrics and Gerontology was inaugurated in Ohbu, Aich, in March 2004, and will contribute a lot for the peace and happiness of elderly and aged people in Japan. The new long term care insurance was introduced in 2000, with good reputation. The idea of death with dignity is widely accepted among elderly people, and its legalization is expected in near future. In any event, we are obliged to create the ideal future society and this will be achieved by our efforts, through ‘trial and error’.