Abstract
Objectives: Rapidly aging society in Japan is facing tremendous health care challenges. One of the most important issues in Japan is housing for elderly. According to Japanese Government, there are 400,000 elderly waiting for a vacancy to move into a public or semipublic nursing home.The same situation is true in China. Due to work pressures and economic changes, extended families are breaking apart and providing care for elderly is becoming a significant challenge.
Design: Extensive literature review
Results: Industrialization of Asia is forcing ancient cultures to adapt to new social changes. Institutionalization of elderly, once strongly opposed in this region, is now becoming an accepted practice. Many elderlies are waiting to be institutionalized.
Conclusion: If current health care trends continue, institutionalization of elderly will increase. Policy makers must critically explore experiences of other countries and determine if institutionalization is the best option for future health care plans.