Work

Community-Based Preventive Care in Japan: The Role of “Kayoi-no-ba” for Healthy Longevity among Older Adults

Year: 2025

Type: book-chapter

Abstract: Japan is the world’s longest living country, yet the gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy remains approximately 10 years. This means that a substantial portion of older adults live with some degree of care dependency. While Japan’s universal long-term care system provides comprehensive support for older adults, the increasing aging population and shrinking workforce pose serious challenges to the sustainability of this system. In response, many local governments have launched community-based preventive care programs aiming to extend healthy life expectancy and reduce the future burden of care. This chapter focuses on the local government-led preventive care initiative known as “Kayoi-no-ba,” which provides older adults with regular opportunities for social participation and physical activity in community settings. Drawing on recent policy documents and empirical research, the chapter outlines the background, structure, and national promotion of “Kayoi-no-ba” programs. It also introduces key findings from studies evaluating their effectiveness in improving physical and mental health outcomes and preventing the progression of care needs among older adults. Through this analysis, the chapter sheds light on the practical potential and challenges of implementing community-based preventive strategies in an aging society like Japan.

Source: IntechOpen eBooks

DOI: 10.5772/intechopen.1011740

Authors: Seungwon Jeong, Yusuke Inoue

Institutions: National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Niimi University

Language: English

Topic: Aging, Elder Care, and Social Issues

Subfield: Life-span and Life-course Studies

Field: Social Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Funder: Japan Society for the Promotion of Science