Evolution, Implementation and Experiential Inspiration of Japan’s Policies on Healthy Ageing in Urban Spatial Development
Abstract：
Facing the challenges posed by a large elderly population and rapidly ageing, actively addressing ageing and promoting healthy ageing have become national strategic goals in China. As a neighboring country with a similar ageing process, Japan has achieved improvements in urban spatial quality and sustainable development through well-designed institutional frameworks and community initiatives, leading to the longest healthy life expectancy globally. This paper reviews the development and underlying rationale of Japan’s national level healthy ageing policies since the 1950s, as well as their implementation at the local level. Drawing upon case studies of Tokyo, Niigata City, and Tsuru City, it summarizes the policy features of three cities of different scales. Finally, it provides inspiration into how China’s urban spatial development can proactively address ageing from four perspectives: the residential environment with scientifically allocated services, the travel environment that balances safety, convenience, and healthiness; the social participation featuring a multi-tiered social support system, and the smart management that advances age-friendly intelligent living.