With the most rapidly aging population in the world and a growing number of people living to be more than 100 years old, firms in Japan have come up with some innovative products and services to cater to the needs of the elderly.
On September 15 — national Respect for the Aged Day — the number of Japanese aged 100 or older hit a record 47,756, according to the health ministry, increasing for the 41st consecutive year. This growing demographic is driving the demand for everything from personal assistance robots to devices in a new generation of cars that warn the driver that they are driving erratically or consumer electronics gadgets that read a user’s mind.
In the automobile sector, the Japanese government is drawing up legislation to make a new generation of cars speak, beep or even emit the sound of running water or horses’ hooves.
The silent car was not long ago the dream of all automobile manufacturers, but the introduction of hybrid and electric cars has raised concerns of an increase in accidents involving pedestrians — particularly the very young and the elderly.
Categories: Japan