Abstract:

The impact of aging demographics on dwelling design in Japan is examined. Accelerated aging has undermined the capacity of traditional extended family housing to accomodate the housing & care needs of seniors, who increasingly expect to live independently. This prospect raises the issue of dwelling design requirements for the aged, several of which are discussed on the basis of response by elderly to an earlier survey in Tokyo (N not specified): (1) all level floors inside dwellings; (2) installation of handrails; (3) dwellings built to last 30+ years; & (4) accommodation of safety, comfort, & usability needs of residents & capacity for adaptation as new needs arise. The roles of publicly operated rental housing, the private housing sector, local government assistance, & subsidies for rehabilitation of existing housing stock in meeting the future housing needs of seniors are discussed.