Introduction
The proportion of older people is multiplying globally, leading to concerns about their long-term care, support, and relationship with the young generation and the government. Countries vary in their degree of the aging population and their policies to facilitate the well-being of elder individuals. These policies vary based on a country’s societal culture and economic status. Successful upkeep of the aging facilitates sustainable development of poverty levels, reduced equalities, and promotes social justice across the globe. The young and aging should benefit equally from government and society-related services such as healthcare and well-being. The US focuses on young individuals in the provision of opportunities than seniors. However, Japan has a different perspective for both the young and the elderly. These include their health programs, mortality rate, living environment, work and leisure, policies, and government support. These issues present a need to understand how they are closely related and differ in the US and Japan. Understanding these features among the aging in US and Japan promotes the creation of a supportive environment hence attaining demographic transition.
Discussion
The latest data places the US as having a higher population of about 332,403,650 compared to Japan at 125,403,687. The US population is known for its diverse individuals, both white and black. Their age distribution categorizes adults to have a high percentage of about 65 percent from age 25-64, young persons aged 0-14 were 18.24 percent, whereas those aged above 65 years were 17 percent. The high percentage of middle age is highly considered in the US compared to aging due to their effectiveness. Japan has a high percentage of the aging population, compared to the US at around 30 percent. Japan is hence categorized as the oldest country in terms of aging caused by a decrease in the birth rate. The American culture views aging as old-fashioned and chronically ill persons out of reach with progress. Thus, aging tends to be despised and looked down upon by the younger generation. The desire to generate initiatives to promote aging in American culture is disturbing.
The Japanese culture has a different way of addressing aging than the US. A closer look at the aging in Japan demonstrates that they are energetic as young people. The government supports healthcare facilities allowing them to remain vibrant (Hsu and Lo 2225). They are also highly respected and identified as senior members of society compared to the United States. For that reason, Japanese culture has a high appreciation of aging in terms of culture than the US. Generally, the idea of the elderly being wiser than the younger has a less significant consideration in the American cultural environment than in Japan. Therefore, both states must examine their view of aging in their culture and learn perspectives that could uplift the elderly.
Healthcare is essential in maintaining the wellness of individuals in a state. The United States and Japan have availed quality care to its population. Both states have acquired modernized health equipment to diagnose complications such as cancer. Further, they share similar risk management programs to elude the crisis witnessed during the Covid-19 pandemic. The US and Japan value expertise in the Medicare program and qualified personnel to ensure the effectiveness and efficiency of delivering care (Donato et al. 830). Still, these countries have dissimilar aspects of the healthcare system. The aging in Japan tends to massively benefit from healthcare programs to remain productive compared to the US, where young people receive more care. Further, the physical health of aging in Japan is highly regarded, whereas, in the US, the aging is most are separated and left indoors. The aging in Japan benefits from a self-care program incorporated into Medicare, reflecting their willingness to improve elderly social support where the US does not recognize such an initiative.
The US and Japan have attempted to reduce the mortality rate among aging. Various health facilities in both states have lifesaver machines mainly used on aging people. They both have educative programs for the aging to teach them about their lifestyle. Nevertheless, the mortality rate of aging is higher in the US than in Japan. Aging participates in economic development in Japan hence low chances of illness. Moreover, healthcare cost is more expensive in the US compared to Japan, thus affecting the aging who cannot afford it. The Japan health care insurance ensures that the aging can access medical services at any time and have full government support (Mariotto et al. 1310). So, hospitals do not despise aging irrespective of insurance coverage and do not anticipate profits. However, most private hospitals in the US are profit-oriented; hence, the aging needs help accessing high-quality care.
The living environment is significant to aging and is associated with a high expectancy rate. Japan and US share a common vision of ensuring that aging has a friendly environment. They have introduced a housing project for safety purposes. Additionally, a location that has numerous elderly have high-security personnel. Both states have assisted living programs where aging and primarily those living with disabilities receive extensive care. In spite of that, Japan is a victim of calamities such as quakes that may negatively affect aging compared to the US. Further, the US has a relatively less friendly environment than Japan due to the existence of slums in various states hence subjecting aging to health complications.
Good health condition is associated with frequent work and leisure time. The US and Japan encourage the aging to spend most of their time in leisure. On most occasions, walking has been a suitable activity for aging in the US and Japan. These states have integrated activities such as social work to promote leisure among the aging. Additionally, they have developmental activities and the introduction of gym activities in which the aging can participate. However, the working attitude of Japan tends to be different compared to America. In Japan, aging is much more adjusted to any work than in the US, where they are less associated with work.
Technological development has led to aging in America, participating less in work. On the other hand, Japan is considered to have an old working style since the aging believes in working to their full capacity. The United States and Japan have similar government policies and programs to support aging. Government support has been widely spread to ensure a decline in the dependency ratio. Engaging in cultural activities has been integrated by both states, where it promotes the lifestyle of aging. However, the large population in the US has been a challenging factor in attaining the sustainability of aging. Japan is considered to be well-organized in its commitment to serving the aging compared to America.
Conclusion
Creating a supportive environment for aging is a significant factor in attaining social justice and sustainability. Health is essential to the aging well-being and reduction of the mortality rate in Japan and the United States. Additionally, a friendly environment with basic needs such as shelter, water, and security services serves as an appreciation towards aging. Further, the aging should participate in leisure and working activities that improve their health. The government should be on the frontline to ensure the aging receive extensive care and are subject to incentives such as a pension. Therefore, the United States and Japan should collaborate and identify programs useful to aging and ensure their status is highly respected.
Works Cited
Donato, Anthony J., Daniel R. Machin, and Lisa A. Lesniewski. “Mechanisms of dysfunction in the aging vasculature and role in age-related disease.” Circulation Research, vol. 123 no. 7, 2018 pp. 825-848. Web.
Hsu, Yuan-Ho, and Huei-Chun Lo. “The Impacts of Population Aging on Saving, Capital Formation, and Economic Growth.” American Journal of Industrial and Business Management, vol. 9 no. 12, 2019 pp. 2231-2249. Web.
Mariotto, Angela B., et al. “Medical Care Costs Associated with Cancer Survivorship in the United StatesCancer Medical Care Costs in the United States.” Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention vol. 29 no. 7 2020 pp. 1304-1312. Web.