Japan's Aging Population: Tech Innovations Address Dementia Crisis

Japan is experiencing a crisis as more than 18,000 older individuals living with dementia went missing last year, with almost 500 later found dead. This alarming trend has doubled since 2012, coinciding with a demographic shift where nearly 30 percent of Japan's population is aged 65 and over, according to data from the World Bank.

The Japanese government has classified dementia as a critical policy challenge, projecting that dementia-related health and social care costs will soar to 14 trillion yen, approximately 90 billion dollars, by 2030, up from nine trillion yen in 2025.

In response, Japan's approach has pivoted toward innovative technology solutions. Regions are adopting GPS-based systems to track missing individuals, with wearable GPS tags that alert authorities as soon as a person leaves a designated area.

Some towns have implemented a community safety net that enables convenience-store workers to receive real-time notifications to locate missing persons within hours. Technological advances also include Fujitsu's aiGait, which uses artificial intelligence to analyze walking patterns and posture, potentially identifying early signs of dementia during routine check-ups.

Waseda University researchers are developing AIREC, a humanoid robot weighing 150 kilograms, designed to assist with caregiving tasks such as helping individuals put on socks or scramble eggs. This robot aims to alleviate the workload of human caregivers, though it may take at least five years before its precision and intelligence are deemed sufficient for safe human interactions.

Another innovation, the Poketomo robot from Sharp, is designed to provide companionship, reminding users to take medication and offering conversation to combat social isolation. Despite the promise of these technologies, experts like Assistant Professor Tamon Miyake emphasize that robots should complement, not replace, human caregivers.

In addition to technological solutions, community initiatives like the Restaurant of Mistaken Orders in Sengawa, Tokyo, provide meaningful engagement for individuals with dementia, illustrating the importance of human connection in care.

The establishment, founded by Akiko Kanna, aims to create a purposeful environment for dementia patients, showcasing how social interventions are essential alongside technological advancements.