Kathryn L. Braun, DrPH University of Hawaii

and Active Aging Consortium Asia Pacific

kbraun@hawaii.edu

Progress in Active Aging: Examples from Asia

and the US

0 10 20 30 40 50

World

US

Europe

China

Hong Kong

Korea

Japan

20122050

Percent of population 60+ will double or triple in many regions

By 2050, 1 in 3 people

(35%) in East Asia

will be age 60+

Purpose

Why is the population aging so rapidly?

What is the “Active Aging?”

What are best practices

for families, communities, and government?

Birth and death rates are decreasing.

Consequences

1. Aging population

2. Stabilizing global population

3. Shrinking population in some countries 1. Germany 2. Italy 3. Korea 4. Japan

Aging Speed Years to go from 7% to 20% age 65+

6%

8%

10%

12%

14%

16%

18%

20%

1940 1950 1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020 2030 2040

US

Japan Korea

China

The US got old slowly, but countries in Asia are getting old quickly.

Number of working-age people (age 15-64) for every person 65+ is decreasing.

2012

US 5

Japan 3

Korea 6

Hong Kong

6

Number of working-age people (age 15-64) for every person 65+ is decreasing.

2012 2050

US 5 3

Japan 3 1

Korea 6 2

Hong Kong

6

2

Question

In an aging society, should older people be encouraged to retire

and relax? Many nations are

realizing that we cannot afford this view.

Active Aging

World Health Organization

2002 Policy Framework

Active Aging is the process of optimizing opportunities for

health, participation, & security over the life course.

as people age.

Tenets of Active Aging

Individuals and families Must prepare for old age and

adopt positive health practices for long life.

Social policy Must make healthy choices easy choices. Must recognize, encourage, and reward participation

of elders in work, education, volunteering and family life.

Recommendations for Social Policy to Achieve Active Aging

1. Support healthy aging.

2. Build age-friendly communities.

3. Promote lifelong learning for and participation of older adults.

4. Favor home and community care over institutional care.

1. Support healthy aging. We must stay healthy until we die.

“Die with your boots on.”

We are learning from centenarians.

• Eat right • Exercise • Avoid or manage

chronic disease

Physical activity can optimize aging. EXERCISE Aerobic capacity Strength Balance Flexibility

Unfortunately, individual effort is not enough. Obesity is increasing in many OECD countries.

Fat adults

Fat children

Fat pets

Social policy Taxing cigarettes has raised revenue while decreasing smoking in the US

Albert Lea, Minnesota (USA)

Modifications to the FOOD

environment

Modifications to the PHYSICAL environment

After one year: Residents lost 12,000 pounds (together) Healthcare costs of city workers were 40% lower.

2. Build age-friendly communities.

Initiatives to: Increase accessibility and

supportiveness of physical environments Increase participation of all

ages in community life and decision making.

Universal Design

Ramps, curb cuts, and kneeling buses make the physical environment accessible to all: People in wheelchairs Mothers with strollers Adults with luggage.

“Complete Streets” movement to promote walking and biking

Universal Design

Ramps, curb cuts, and kneeling buses make the physical environment accessible to all: People in wheelchairs Mothers with strollers Adults with luggage.

Singapore – City for All Ages (CFAA)

Initiatives Retrofit housing units

Neighborhood model Extending “green” lights, installing rest

stops, leveling walking areas Co-locating health, social, educational,

and volunteer services

Goals: Make neighborhoods more age friendly

Increase capacity to allow elders to age in place

Reduce falls

3. Promote life-long learning & participation

These include initiatives that increase access to education, re-training, culture & arts, and intergenerational exchange.

Old Age Middle Age Youth

Increasing education and participation rates of older adults Raise retirement age. Increase other

opportunities to participate in: Work Education Civic affairs

• AARP national job creation program • Skills assessment • Re-training • Career locator • National Employer Team (Businesses

pledging to hire older workers)

Re-training for Older Adults

Korea - Internet Navigators

Young people teaching elders about cell phones

and Internet games.

Older people teach other elders to use computers, e-mail, and

Photoshop,

• Leaves and flowers used to decorate food

• Seniors employed to: • Pick • Package • Sell

.

Employees: Average age = 70

Oldest employee=94

“Irodori” of Kamikatsu, Japan

University Programs for Older People France UK Australia China Hong Kong

Polytechnic University

Sample courses • Art

• Conversation

• Computers

• Crafts

• Current Affairs

• Drama

• History

• Languages

• Literature

• Music

• Philosophy

• Social Sciences

Retraining in Retirement “Men in the Kitchen”

Training in how to: Shop Cook Clean Say “I love you”

Retired Husband Syndrome. Some wives become sick under the stress of demanding spouses.

October 18, 2005|By Anthony Faiola, Washington Post

4. Favor home and community-based care over institutional care.

Despite our best efforts, some older adults will lose function and need help.

COST OF CARE

Japan & Korea are supporting home care with Family Resource Centers

Family Resource Centers: Loan and sell equipment Provide education to family caregivers Provide counseling

Home- and community-based services are less expensive and preferred by older people.

Home-delivered meals

Personal care and bathing services

Senior centers and Adult day care

Residential (multi-level) care for those that can pay.

Still, long term care is costly, even in-home care.

We need more ideas for saving money.

Time Banking

Time Banking A system where members

earn "time dollars" by providing services, and

then spend “time dollars” for services they want. No

money changes hands.

Our Role in an Aging Society

Individuals and families Must prepare for old age and

adopt positive health practices for long life.

Social policy Must make healthy choices easy choices. Must recognize, encourage, and reward

participation of elders in work, education, volunteering and family life.

Immediate Directions for Social Policy

1. Support healthy aging 2. Build age-friendly communities 3. Promote lifelong learning and

participation 4. Favor home and community care over

institutional care.

Active Aging Consortium Asia Pacific (ACAP)

Japan

S. Korea

China

Hawaii

Indonesia Singapore

Mongolia

Malaysia

Canada

Nepal USA

Hong Kong

Australia

New Zealand

Philippines

Mission To provide a forum in Asia

Pacific for the sharing of: Research Policy ideas Best practices

Conferences

Exchange

Benefits

No dues! (no staff)

Bi-monthly bulletin

To join: Give me your business card,

or email kbraun@hawaii.edu

5-Year Anniversary!!

Congratulations