ABSTRACT
Japan’s historical approach to urban planning has predominantly focused on regulating the physical environment, with minimal attention given to improving accessibility to public transportation or affordable housing options for older adults. However, with a growing number of older individuals living with disabilities and dementia, creative solutions are needed. In 2006, the Ministry of Health, Labour, and Welfare proposed the Comprehensive Community Care model as a community-based solution to promote the dignity and independence of older adults. This chapter presents an intriguing model to address the challenges faced by super-ageing societies, particularly in Japan, which has the world’s highest proportion of older adults. The authors explore sustainable practices that can benefit both young and old individuals, irrespective of their health status, based on two case studies in metropolitan areas (Minami-ku in Nagoya and Adachi in Tokyo) and one in a regional city (Unnan in Shimane). The chapter concludes that municipal authorities should involve all residents in a collaborative and productive approach, and emphasise the importance of incorporating structured education on ageing and dementia in schools to foster future innovation.
