Orimo Hajime, Kamiya Naoki
Health Science University.
Nihon Rinsho. 2008 Aug;66(8):1605-14.
For a long time, the term "elderly" has been defined as a chronological age of 65 years or more. However, in modern Japan where the average life span is 80 years or more, it has become already outdated to group the elderly into a chronological age of 65 years or more. We have attempted to review the definition of the elderly by analyzing data from statistics on population dynamics, trends of Japanese public opinion, long-term longitudinal epidemiological studies and clinical and pathological studies. We propose rebuilding a more flexible definition of the elderly based on comprehensive evidence in all aspects of social, cultural and medical sciences. In addition, our proposal might be a starting point in elaborating a strategy for a successful aging society.
长期以来，“老年人”一词被定义为年龄在65岁及以上。然而，在现代日本，平均寿命已达80岁及以上，将65岁及以上的人归为老年人的分类方式已经过时。我们试图通过分析人口动态统计数据、日本民意趋势、长期纵向流行病学研究以及临床和病理学研究的数据，来审视老年人的定义。我们建议基于社会、文化和医学科学各方面的综合证据，重新构建一个更灵活的老年人定义。此外，我们的提议可能是制定成功老龄化社会战略的一个起点。
