Longevity and health care: a cost-benefit type analysis of life expectancy and medical expenditure.

Abstract

The relationship between the amount of national medical expenditures and increases in longevity in Japan is explored. The author notes that although Japanese life expectancy is now among the highest in the world, a result of this trend has been an increase in the survival of those who are more or less permanently sick or invalid. The need to concentrate future resources on increasing the quality of life for those who survive is stressed. (summary in JPN)