Promoting age-friendly community of support and care in Japan's aging neighborhood: The Nagayama model

Abstract

Since 2007, Japan has been experiencing an aging and shrinking population as a consequence of rapid rate of aging and a persistently low birth rate. The impact of depopulation is apparent not only in rural areas, but also in new towns in the urban suburbs mostly built in the 1970 s to house the extensive flow of population to big urban centres. From the case study of a depopulated neighborhood in a new town in Tokyo suburb, this paper examines how the neighbourhood regeneration effort has resulted in a ground-up model of the community-based integrated care system promoting aging in place. Through fieldwork comprising participant observations and interviews, we examine the process and the neighbourhood services established that have led to the so-called ‘Nagayama method’. The involvement of multi-stakeholders from local government, non-profit and business sectors have shown concerted efforts in the care and support of older residents contributing towards a conducive environment for one to age safely and meaningfully in the community. In discussion, the case study is examined with reference to Fallov's concept of the ‘third way’ path in neighborhood regeneration recognizing the significance of local conditions and existing capabilities in contributing to the successful adoption of a ground-up system. By focusing on a depopulated urban neighbourhood through the lens of multi-stakeholders’ efforts in making a difference to the everyday lives of older adults in local community, the study brings attention to diversity in aging environments and implications for policy and practice for the Decade for Health Aging initiative.