In the broadest sense, The Well-Being of the Elderly in Asia is a study of social change and of anticipating future social change. It examines the effects on the current and future elderly of the rapid demographic transition that has occurred over much of Asia, accompanied in many countries by equally dramatic social and economic transformations. Policymakers in Asia have been aware of these trends and their potentially deleterious consequences for a decade or more, and have sought to fashion appropriate policies and programs that anticipate and mitigate their effects. Accordingly, any study of the sociodemographic trends and their impact must be examined in the light of policies put in place and under development.

The population of Asia is growing both larger and older. Demographically the most important continent on the world, Asia's population, currently estimated to be 4.2 billion, is expected to increase to about 5.9 billion by 2050. Rapid declines in fertility, together with rising life expectancy, are altering the age structure of the population so that in 2050, for the first time in history, there will be roughly as many people in Asia over the age of 65 as under the age of 15. It is against this backdrop that the Division of Behavioral and Social Research at the U.S. National Institute on Aging (NIA) asked the National Research Council (NRC), through the Committee on Population, to undertake a project on advancing behavioral and social research on aging in Asia. Aging in Asia: Findings from New and Emerging Data Initiatives is a peer-reviewed collection of papers from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand that were presented at two conferences organized in conjunction with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Indian National Science Academy, Indonesian Academy of Sciences, and Science Council of Japan; the first conference was hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, and the second conference was hosted by the Indian National Science Academy in New Delhi. The papers in the volume highlight the contributions from new and emerging data initiatives in the region and cover subject areas such as economic growth, labor markets, and consumption; family roles and responsibilities; and labor markets and consumption.

Asia is the world’s most populous region and has the highest per capita number of older people in the world. It is also home to the healthy ageing traditions of Ayurveda and Chinese Medicine and the rich regional traditions of Japan, Korea, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. This book addresses policies related to ageing, traditional Asian approaches to ageing, an integrated medical system approaches to ageing, ageing in place, and community empowerment. Features Presents information on The 100-Year Life. As a counterpoint to focussing on the frail elderly, Japan is promoting the ‘100-Year Life Society’, a societal model in which all citizens are dynamically engaged and productive throughout the lifespan to reach a healthy 100 years of age. Discusses a framework for optimization of Ageing in Place or staying at home as this is a desired option for most older people. Presents evidence for exercise and movement in healthy aging with guidelines in different states of ageing. Features information on how to improve mental wellbeing in cognitive decline, isolation and loneliness, poor nutrition, and reduced mobility. Creates an understanding of loss and bereavement through processes and the impact of loss. Provides information on developments in health technology to optimize efficiency, accuracy, and effectiveness of providers. Details health insurance options including coverage for traditional as well as modern medical services, provides models for other countries in the region. Lists coping skills or abilities to help older people to be more independent and in control of their lives. Features information on Asian herbs, spices and foods in healthy ageing across the lifepsan and specifically in addressing age-related health issues. "What is required is a new culture based on the science in which older people are expected to remain, or become increasingly active, physically, cognitively and emotionally maintaining or strengthening a strong sense of purpose. Europe is looking to Asia because this culture is more prevalent there than in Europe. The core theme is not one of ‘caring’ for a passive subset of the population but of promoting lifelong learning because knowledge is the elixir of life." - Professor Sir Muir Gray, Founding Director, The Optimal Ageing Programme & Professor in the Nuffield Department of Surgery, University of Oxford

In the broadest sense, The Well-Being of the Elderly in Asia is a study of social change and of anticipating future social change. It examines the effects on the current and future elderly of the rapid demographic transition that has occurred over much of Asia, accompanied in many countries by equally dramatic social and economic transformations. Policymakers in Asia have been aware of these trends and their potentially deleterious consequences for a decade or more, and have sought to fashion appropriate policies and programs that anticipate and mitigate their effects. Accordingly, any study of the sociodemographic trends and their impact must be examined in the light of policies put in place and under development.

This book brings together state-of-the-art research on successful aging in Asian populations and highlights how the factors that contribute to successful aging differ from those in the West. It examines the differences between the Asian and Western contexts in which the aging process unfolds, including cultural values, lifestyles, physical environments and family structures. In addition, it examines the question of how to add quality to longer years of life. Specifically, it looks at ways to promote health, preserve cognition, maximize functioning with social support and maintain emotional well-being despite inevitable declines and losses. Compared to other parts of the world, Asia will age more quickly as a result of the rapid socioeconomic developments leading to rising longevity and historically low fertility rates in some countries. These demographic forces in vast populations such as China are expected to make Asia the main driver of global aging in the coming decades. As a result, researchers, professionals, policymakers, as well as the commercial sector, in both East and West, are increasingly interested in gaining a deeper understanding of aging in Asia.

Preparing for the Challenges of Population Aging in Asia discusses the challenges posed by a rapidly aging population and identifies needed research to help policymakers better respond to them. While the percentage of elderly people in nearly every nation is growing, this aging trend is particularly stark in parts of Asia. Projections indicate that the portion of the population age 65 and older will more than triple in China, India, and Indonesia and more than double in Japan between 2000 and 2050, based on data from the United Nations. Moreover, this demographic shift is coinciding with dramatic economic and social changes in Asia, including changing family structures and large-scale migrations from rural to urban areas. These trends raise critical questions about how nations can develop policies that best support health and economic well-being in large and growing populations at older ages. Governments in Asia still have time to determine the best ways to respond to the unfolding demographic transformation, but taking advantage of this window of opportunity will require new research to shed light on the status and needs of the aging population. Currently the research base on aging in this region is relatively underdeveloped. This book identifies several key topics for research to inform public policy, including changing roles in the family; labor force participation, income, and savings; and health and well-being of the public.

The socioeconomic, health, and public-policy aspects of aging in India are presented in this study that draws on empirical research to assess the country’s preparedness. This analysis argues that many of the fundamental issues that need to be addressed by a country with a large aging population are not fully understood by public agencies. A number of policy options for the welfare of the growing number of elderly, particularly women, are proposed.