Japan is facing its own mounting dementia tsunami as the aging population grows increasingly larger and faster. Today, nearly 30% of Japan’s population is 65 and older. This statistic puts Japan in second place globally, as the country with the highest proportion of elderly people in the world, after Monaco. You can imagine how this changed — or rather turned into a cause for alarm — affecting the current rise in dementia, that has doubled since 2012. In response, dementia is now one of the UK government’s acknowledged priority policy challenges.
The economic costs of this catastrophic downturn are mind-numbing. According to estimates, dementia-related health and social care costs in Japan will increase from 2.864 trillion yen ($19 billion) in 2015 to 14 trillion yen ($90 billion) by 2030. That represents a huge jump from an estimated 9 trillion yen in 2025. Japan’s Health Ministry has begun to rigorously monitor these expenses. They are making clear the need for proven solutions to reverse this fast growing and dangerous concern.
One particularly creative answer to this conundrum is the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders. This café is designed specifically for people with dementia, making for a truly special meal. Read on to learn from Toshio Morita, who runs the restaurant, about why he wanted to be a part of this pilot.
“Honestly? I wanted a little pocket money. I like meeting all sorts of people,” – Toshio Morita
Inspired by personal experiences with dementia, the café aims to create an inclusive environment that accommodates the unique needs of its patrons.
Alongside the grassroots work being done in communities, technology will be an important component in meeting the challenges posed by a growing older population. Private companies, such as Sharp, are creating new robots and other technological solutions specifically designed to combat Japan’s social issues. Assistant Professor Tamon Miyake sheds light on the intricacies that go into the making of truly effective humanoid robots.
“It requires full-body sensing and adaptive understanding – how to adjust for each person and situation,” – Tamon Miyake
Miyake goes on to stress that although robots may be able to offer essential assistance, they must complement human caregivers – not replace them.
“Robots should supplement, not substitute, human caregivers,” – Tamon Miyake
Today, robots are being used in nursing homes throughout Japan to improve the quality of life for residents. These machines help conduct all sorts of activities from playing music to leading a series of simple stretching movements. Businesses such as Fujitsu are using technology to watch patients overnight. This breakthrough innovation adds reassurance for families and caretakers as well.
In the two central Connecticut communities where this is practiced, convenience-store employees are given instantaneous alerts to assist them in finding potential silver runners. Besides being a creative application of new technology, it demonstrates a commitment to the older adult community.
Japan has chosen to confront the dual challenges of a rapidly aging population and low birth rate. To help lighten the load, the nation is looking to technology more than ever. Miho Kagei on the necessity of using those new tools and advantages to fix society’s pressing challenges.
“We’re focusing on social issues… and to use new technology to help solve those problems,” – Miho Kagei
Controlling age-related diseases optimally is only possible through early detection of health conditions.
“Early detection of age-related diseases is key,” – Hidenori Fujiwara
Looking forward, Japan has a steep hill to climb as it continues to come to terms with its demographic fate. New innovative community driven solutions and technology abound. This gives real hope to everyone living with dementia and their families.