In the revision of the Long-Term Care System for FY2024, a choice system between leasing and selling has been introduced for a part of the assistive products. Fixed ramps other than portable types, walkers (not rollators), and canes (single-point/multiple-point canes) have become the subject to the system, and it is expected that users and their families will benefit from increased choice. The products subject to the choice system are currently those with relatively low unit prices.
It is unclear whether this system will be applied to specialized beds (long-term care beds) and other products that could impose a large economic burden on users and their families at the time of purchase, but the long-term care system is likely to move toward spending restraint when considering its sustainability.   

Future Outlook

In addition to supporting aging or weakened functions, future assistive technology products must be developed to maintain or improve the well-being of people living actively and independently. The challenges and preferences for assistive technology products will be diverse, depending on the status of families or cohabitants, the preferences of individual users, not to mention the physical conditions and residential situations of users, and the advancement of a barrier-free society.

The number of users of assistive technology products in Japan is increasing as the population ages. Companies in the current market seem to be seeking new areas of business, such as expanding into the overseas market where aging is expected in the future, or developing products that contribute to elderly people who are not yet in long-term care.


On the other hand, as Japan's population ages rapidly, public spending is rising. Japan needs to overcome the complicated challenges of containing long-term care insurance spending in the face of rising demand (elderly population), while at the same time securing growth opportunities for private companies that are the primary providers of services and products.  

Research Outline