| Abstract: | 「少子高齡化」這個名詞，在現今這個時代不僅只是日本與台灣的社會現象，它更成了一個日趨嚴重的社會問題。根據日本「國立社會保險暨人口研究問題研究所」的人口統計調查指出，2010年日本的高齡化率位居全球第一位。並且，日本的高齡化率預估將不會減少，於2050年時高齡化率將邁向37.84%且三人當中1人為65歲以上之超高齡社會。
關於解決高齡者之相關社會問題，將成為台日兩國的國家課題，不僅如此，也可說將會帶給經濟上極大負面的影響。高齡者的諸多問題，從介護保險到居家看護、年金政策，以及退休後高齡者的老年生活等皆有所關聯。在此本研究，從高齡者的諸多問題之根源，意即高齡者如何能夠「安心邁向年老、迎向死亡」著眼進行研究。
關於研究之內容，為了探究日本葬儀文化之根源，本研究論及日本人的宗教以及文化，特別是高齡者問題中的末期醫療之問題，以及死亡、死後之葬儀、墓地等。另外，本研究也論及到在日本的「生活保護法」之下，政府如何維護國民最低限之死的尊嚴。
本研究之研究方法，採「文獻分析」以及「實地調查研究」進行研究。文獻分析之內容，以相關高齡者福祉之論文或統計資料、政府公布白書等等既有文獻進行分析；而實地調查研究方面，以日本新瀉縣(NIKATA)長岡市(NAGAOA)之安寧病房作為訪問對象，進行實地訪問與調查。
與日本人口構造極為相似的台灣，於1993年進入高齡化社會階段，預估於2017年也將邁入高齡社會。意即，現在日本正面對的高齡社會問題，在不久的將來台灣也將面臨。因此，在思考今後台灣應有的對策時，日本的經驗也能成為台灣的參考之一。在此，期望本研究之結果，在今後台灣社會福祉的政策擬定上能有所助益。
The phrase, "population ages”, in modern times, is not merely a social phenomenon in Japan and Taiwan; it has become an aggravating societal problem. According to a population statistics conducted by National Institute of Population and Social Security Research of Japan, Japan ranks above all other nations with the highest ratio of senior citizens. Moreover, the ratio of elderly population in Japan has no predictable tendency of decreasing. In the year of 2050, this ratio is expected to reach 37.84%, effectively converts Japan to a super-senior nation with one out of every three people being above 65 years of age.
Resolving social problems associated to senior citizens is bound to become a challenge of national concern. Population aging also incurs significant negative impacts on the economy, pertaining to various topics ranging from physical care insurance, at-home personal helper, to financial aid, and even just basic retirement life planning. This research focuses on the fundamental idea behind the caring of senior citizens -- "how citizens may approach old age with contentment, and accept the passing away of life with peace."
For the purpose of investigating the root of Japanese funerary culture, this research touches upon Japanese religion and culture, especially how they together shape imminent death health care problems, post-death funeral adequacies, as well as the choosing and arrangement of burial sites. Additionally, this research also addresses how Japanese government protects the basic dignity of citizens facing death under the rulings of Public Assistance Law.
This research adopts "documentary analysis" and "practical on-site investigation" as research methods. The types of documentary being analyzed involve journals or statistics concerning senior welfare, and official government-released surveys. As for practical investigations, the medical hospice in NIKATA (NAGAOA), provinces of Japan, are the targeted facilities.
Taiwan, having a population structure that highly resembles that of Japan, had begun its population aging phase in 1993. It is estimated that Taiwan will also become a society of high proportion seniors in 2017. Taiwan will face the aging problem Japan now confronts in the near future. Therefore, in dealing with population aging, Taiwan may base its strategies on or refer to the Japan experience. The author here of hope the results of this research may contribute to the formation of future social welfare policies in Taiwan. |
