Rehabilitation Challenges of Health Care for the Elderly in Japan

Abstract

Japan has become an ultra-aging society as people over 65 years of age increase to 17% of the population. The Law of Public Care Insurance for the Elderly system commenced in April of the year 2000. As a result, the payment system for elderly care services was transferred from taxes to national health insurance. Community-based rehabilitation, which includes occupational therapy, will make even greater contributions to the ultra-aging society in Japan.