International Longevity Centre Global Alliance - Designing the Future of Ageing

1st August 2018

ILC-Japan published a report “Assistive Device Revolution for the Independence of Older Adults in Japan,” commissioned to Dr. Yoko Crume (social worker, aging life consultant, and former associate professor at North Carolina State University).

The Japanese government has led a national effort over the past 25 years to promote assistive device innovations centered around the development of care robots, under the premise that these devices can help solve the societal aging challenge while contributing to the restoration of national economic vitality. This article described the care robot’s unique history in Japan, examined the factors that have influenced the course of development, and considered how these efforts may ultimately help Japan attain its dual goals. Today, Japan is in the process of rolling out the fruits of these initial efforts, with the four assistive innovations introduced in this article showcasing the width of ingenuity and technological strength of the Japanese effort. However, it is still unclear if these or other currently available devices will prove to be successful in the long run and able to contribute to one or both of the goals of aiding societal aging and the economy. The only certainty is that the future of older adulthood can no longer be imagined without the presence of care robots and other innovative assistive devices.

Download a PDF: http://www.ilcjapan.org/studyE/doc/2018_1.pdf

Mamiko Fukuhara, Operations Director of ILC-Japan

Contact: ilcjapan@mba.sphere.ne.jp