Environment and Aging in Japan

Abstract

Over the past 30 years, environment and behavior research in Japan has paralleled the international growth of the field. Unfortunately, despite noteworthy periodic efforts to cross-culturally bridge language barriers between English- and Japanese-speaking researchers, public policy makers, planning and design practitioners, and students specializing in this subject area, significant communication obstacles persist. In response, a literature review is presented of recent research in Japan on the subject of environment and aging. The review spans a 17-year period (1985-2002). The objective is to enhance international communication, stimulate collaborative work, and foster appreciation of the broad parameters of the dramatic trends in aging occurring globally.