Active Aging through Later Life and Afterlife Planning: Sh?katsu in a Super-Aged Japan

In Japan, the term sh?katsu—referred as planning for later life and afterlife—has gained popularity due to high amount of mass media exposure in recent years. This paper examines sh?katsu from active aging framework, contending that is an important activity contributes aging, process conscientious encourages older Japanese people remain active. Data this study were obtained qualitative interviews conducted with 40 middle-class citizens residing Nagoya. Explored through a course perspective, examined how salient factors, such personal history, experiences, roles, anxieties, life-changing events, cultural practices, have influenced their decision-making process. understanding respond changing family relationships sociocultural transformations, emphasis on living “good old age” better social, psychological, physical well-being strongly reflects agency age actively. super-aged may be vital strategy not only ensures quality population children, but it also individual’s sense usefulness satisfaction, they are actively involved management own afterlife choices.