About this Course

This course explores the phenomenon of aging in Japan which is leading the world in becoming a super-aged society with more than 20% of its population aged 65 or older. It delves into gerontology, focusing on how aging, health, and environmental factors intertwine in the context of Japanese urban life. Specifically, it examines how different settings in Japan encourage behaviors that impact health and longevity in later life. By pulling in expertise from areas such as psychology, health sciences, and emergency medicine, this course provides comprehensive insights into how Japan is managing the challenges presented by this demographic shift. The goal is to arm learners with knowledge and provide examples from Japan that can help address similar challenges globally as populations continue to age.

At a Glance

• Institution: WasedaX
• Subject: Science
Level: Intermediate
• Prerequisites: Recommended enrollment in health- or sport-related undergraduate courses
• Language: English
• Video Transcript: English

What You'll Learn

• Understanding the drivers and societal implications of population aging in Japan and other nations.
• The complexity of aging and its various influencing factors from intra-personal to environmental.
• Perceptions of aging among the elderly in Japan and health-related expectations.
• The evolution of health in Japan and the challenges of maintaining traditional lifestyles.
• Detailed insights into Japan's health and aged-care system and care goals.
• The health consequences of an aging society, including the growing prevalence of diseases like dementia.
• The role of physical activity in the health of Japan's aging population and its cultural roots.
• Benefits of physical activity based on studies from different Japanese cohorts.
• Correlations between exercise, sleep, and injury prevention in later life.
• Exploring age-friendly environments and their role in promoting health behaviors.

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideally suited for students, healthcare professionals, policy makers, and anyone interested in the fields of gerontology, public health, and urban development. Participants looking to understand the implications of aging societies and those who seek to apply these insights in their professional lives to improve health outcomes in aging populations will find this course particularly beneficial.

Real-World Applications

Learners can apply the knowledge from this course in various ways:

• Developing policies and programs that cater to aging populations.
• Improving community planning to create age-friendly environments.
• Enhancing healthcare services to better address the specific needs of the elderly.
• Applying insights in personal health planning or in caregiving for older family members.

Syllabus

Course Overview

Detailed course structure including topics such as Population Aging Dynamics, Health Care Systems in Aging Societies, Environmental Influences on Aging, and Strategies for Healthy Aging.

Modules

Each module will include lectures, readings, case studies from Japan, and discussions on the implications worldwide.