Redefining the elderly as aged 75 years and older: Proposal from the Joint Committee of Japan Gerontological Society and the Japan Geriatrics Society

In addition, people aged over 90 years can be classified as oldest-old or super-old. This definition mainly takes into consideration the aging situation of developed countries, but we believe that if the extension of life expectancy and “rejuvenation” phenomenon spreads globally, it is a concept that will be globally accepted. In contrast, with the global extension of life expectancy, it is appropriate to think of those aged over 90 years who have surpassed the average life expectancy as oldest-old/super-old according to the previous definition. The significance of re-examining the definition and classification of the elderly is: (i) to consider the elderly according to the previous definition as motivated supporters of society once again; and (ii) to create an upcoming super-aged society with brightness and vitality. However, the trend towards improved physical ability in the elderly is not guaranteed to continue into the future, indicating the need to educate the next generation on the promotion of health once again. As for policy implication, our proposal might lead to the revision of social security policy, because many pre-old people can contribute to productivity and reduce the socioeconomic burden of the younger generation. However, we would like to emphasize that this proposal does not intend to provide a political basis for shrinking social welfare for pre-old and old people. We hope that our proposal will contribute to the realization of our citizens’ desire to construct a bright, productive, healthy and long-living society. Authors thank Dr Setsu Kitamura for his contribution to writing this report. Kimiko Kitagawa has received lecture fees from the Japanese Nursing Association, Health Sciences University of Hokkaido and St. Luke's International University; manuscript fees from Igaku-Shoin; and research funding from a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research. The other authors declare no conflict of interest. Members of the Joint Committee Chair Kai, Ichiro: University of Tokyo; President, JGLS Ouchi, Yasuyoshi: Federation of National Public Service Personnel Mutual Aid Associations Toranomon Hospital; Immediate Past President, JGLS and JGS Vice-chair Toba, Kenji: National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology Members (in alphabetical order) Akishita, Masahiro: Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo; Vice-President, JGS Arai, Hidenori: National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology; Vice-President JGS Hanyu, Haruo: Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Medical University Hori, Shigeo: Osaka University of Education Ito, Hideki: Tokyo Metropolitan Geriatric Hospital and Institute of Gerontology Kitagawa, Kimiko: Faculty of Nursing, Kyoritsu Women's University Koyano, Wataru: Faculty of Human Welfare, Seigakuin University Maruyama, Naoki; Souka Royal Care Center Naito, Katsuo: College of Humanities and Sciences, Nihon University Nasu, Ikuo: Department of Dental Public Health, School of Dentistry at Matsudo, Nihon University Oka, Masato: Yokohama City University Rakugi, Hiromi: Department of Geriatric & General Medicine, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine; President, JGS Suzuki, Takao: Institute of Gerontology, J.F. Oberlin University Secretary Ogawa, Sumito: Department of Geriatric Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, University of Tokyo