Category: Elderly

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 26, 2023 Number of comments0
Coronavirus COVID-19 Disability Elderly Japan

Japan may have entered 9th COVID-19 wave says virus expert Shigeru Omi

Japan may have entered its ninth wave of COVID-19 infections, an expert who served as the government’s top coronavirus adviser said Monday, stressing the importance of protecting vulnerable elderly individuals from the disease.

“A ninth wave may have started,” Shigeru Omi told reporters after meeting with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to discuss the recent nationwide increase in infections after the government eased countermeasures, including downgrading the legal status of the disease to the same category as seasonal influenza in May.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt June 11, 2023 Number of comments0
Disability Elderly Japan Technology

Japan making efforts to bridge digital divide between young, elderly

According to a public opinion survey on smartphone usage conducted by the government in 2020, less than 10 percent of those between the age of 18 to 59 responded that they “hardly use” or “do not use” such devices.

In contrast, the percentage of those saying they hardly use their smartphones rose substantially for older generations, standing at 25.7 percent of those aged 60 to 69, and 57.9 percent of those aged 70 and above.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt May 11, 2023 Number of comments0
Disability Elderly Japan Nursing Care

Japan to Review Foreign Worker Regulations to Ease Labor shortage in Care Sector

The Japanese government is considering expanding the scope of duties foreign carers can perform to alleviate chronic labor shortages in the nursing care sector, it has been learned.

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry plans to review current regulations, including a rule that blocks foreign workers from conducting home visits.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt February 22, 2023 Number of comments0
Coronavirus COVID-19 Disability Elderly Japan

Japan to offer 2 COVID-19 booster shots to elderly, those with underlying conditions by year-end

People aged 65 years or older, those with underlying medical conditions and health care professionals will have a chance to get inoculated from May to August, as well as from September to December. Other age groups eligible for COVID-19 vaccinations can also get a shot during the four months through December.

by Michael Gillan Peckitt October 14, 2022 Number of comments0
Coronavirus COVID-19 Elderly Japan

Japan to encourage online medical care as COVID, flu spread in winter

Japan’s health ministry said Thursday those at low risk of developing serious coronavirus symptoms will be encouraged to use at-home test kits and online medical services this winter, when COVID-19 and seasonal influenza are expected to spread simultaneously.

The measures, which assume a peak of 750,000 cases per day, seek to lessen the burden on hospitals and prioritize medical care for the elderly amid warnings of another surge of viruses during the upcoming colder months.