Trends in disability (2001-2019), chronic medical conditions (1996-2020), and mortality (1995-2020) in Japanese older adults: analyses based on national datasets.

Abstract

Background: The overall health status of older adults in Japan has reportedly improved. However, it is unclear whether such improvement has occurred in the baby boomer generation, the oldest of whom turned 65 in 2015. In addition, the health status of oldest-old adults (aged > 85 years) was not examined extensively in previous studies. This study aimed to characterize trends in disability and chronic medical conditions in adults aged 65-89 years which includes the baby boomer generation.

Methods: From the Comprehensive Survey of Living Conditions (2001-2019), Patient Survey (1996-2020), and Vital Statistics (1995-2020), we documented disability rates, rates of treatment for nine chronic medical conditions (malignant neoplasms, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, ischemic heart disease, cerebrovascular diseases, pneumonia, fractures, osteoporosis, chronic kidney disease, and joint disorders), total mortality rates, and rates of mortality from specific causes (malignant neoplasms, heart diseases, cerebrovascular diseases, and pneumonia) in both sexes and in five age groups (65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80-84, and 85-89 years).

Results: Overall, rates of disability decreased significantly in both sexes. Both total mortality rates and rates of mortality from specific medical causes declined significantly. These trends were observed in the baby boomer generation. The rates of treatment for most medical conditions also significantly decreased. However, the treatment rates of diabetes mellitus, pneumonia, and fractures in adults aged 85-89 years remained high or did not decrease. In contrast, the treatment rates of chronic kidney disease steadily increased over time.

Conclusions: Overall health status continues to improve in older Japanese adults, including the baby boomer generation and the oldest-old cohort. However, for several diseases, no improvement was observed; thus, further public health interventions are necessary.