[Review of aged rendered services in USA and Japan and guidelines for Iran aging strategic plan]

ABSTRACT

Aging period can be experienced dynamic, joyful, hopeful, and dignity. One of the challenging demographic factors in 21[st] century is the aging population issues in most countries, including Iran. Developed countries have already thought and planed for population aging, but if the developing countries such as Iran which has about 8% of population over 60's does not have proper programming for health services of such aged people, in near future they encounter a serious socioeconomic and health crises. A better understanding of aging society which reflects different dimensions of economic, welfare, health and treatment helps to identify the challenges facing aging individuals within families and a policy design needs to pave the ways to meet their needs. Any plan of action on ageing and health care for older persons should be built upon three basic pillars First persons and development [participation], which focuses on the need for societies to adjust their policies and institutions to promote the growing older population as a productive force for the good of society; Second, advancing health and well-being into old age [health], which underlines the need for policies that promote good health from childhood and onwards throughout the course of life in order to attain a healthy old age; and third, ensuring enabling and supportive environments [security], which promote policies oriented towards family and community to provide the basis for secure ageing. This report provides a comprehensive description of the older population conditions in developed countries [Japan and USA] to foster a better understanding of their experiences and challenges to provide different hints for a comprehensive strategic plan of aging population in Iran