ILC-Japan

We can now enjoy longevity as we live in the 100-year-life era. People first worked to extend the average life expectancy, and then aimed for longer healthy life expectancy. I would say Japan has now entered the era aiming for longer “engage life expectancy.” What is engage life expectancy? It is the period in which a person can contribute to society and others. Going beyond healthy life expectancy, it refers to how long we can be useful to society throughout our lives.   “We are offering free hand massages today. You’re welcome to try it.” A receptionist told me when I visited a car dealership the other day. Lucky me! I instantly replied, “Yes, please!”   The massage space was set up in a corner of the showroom, with two massage therapists waiting for guests. The one on the right was a young, innocent-looking woman, carefully checking the cosmetic items she’d use for massaging. The one on the left was an older women, looking fully ready to serve and smiling at m...

 From 2010 to 2011, the International Longevity Center Japan carried out an international comparative research project on end-of-life care. As part of this project, we conducted the International Comparative Study on Ideal Terminal Care and Death. In this study, we asked medical doctors, nurses, direct care workers, and social workers about what they thought was ideal terminal care and what would actually happen.   The International Comparative Study on Ideal Terminal Care and Death : English summary. https://www.ilcjapan.org/studyE/doc/End-of-life_Care.pdf List of research activities since 2010 (in English) https://www.ilcjapan.org/studyE/index.html   In this study, we presented these professionals in different countries with hypothetical cases, including Mrs. A with terminal cancer as shown below. We asked them where they thought would be the best place for Mrs. A to spend her final days. Additionally, we asked them where they thought she would actually ...

The Public Opinion Survey on the Life of the People by the Cabinet Office (conducted in August 2024, published in January 2025) aims to capture people’s awareness and needs concerning their daily lives and families and to use the data as a basic resource for the administration of the government. This survey has been carried out almost every year since 1957; in 2024, it was conducted with 3,000 people (response rate: 61%). The survey covers various topics, such as levels of satisfaction with current life and worries/anxiety. In this blog, I’d like to focus on a sense of fulfillment.   Q5. When do you feel fulfilled in daily life? Please select all that apply. (%) Age group Resting/ relaxing Time with  family Engaging in  a hobby/ sport Time with  friends Working Studying,  learning Serving the  community,  social activity 20 - 29 55.1 32...