Care Homes in Asia
摘要
Asia’s rapidly aging population, compounded by rising rates of age-related disabilities and strained care systems, presents urgent challenges for elder care. This entry examines the intersection of aging, disability, cultural values, and technological innovation within Asian care homes, proposing a holistic model that integrates the restorative power of nature with artificial intelligence (AI)-driven solutions. Drawing on case studies from Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan, the analysis reveals systemic gaps in current care models including understaffing, infrastructural barriers, and cultural stigma around institutionalization, while highlighting the therapeutic efficacy of biophilic design, such as rooftop gardens and forest therapy programs, in reducing agitation, improving mobility, and enhancing mental well-being. This entry further explores how AI technologies, from virtual reality nature simulations to adaptive sensory gardens, address pandemic-induced isolation and structural limitations, enabling personalized, accessible care even in resource-constrained settings. However, ethical dilemmas around privacy, human-AI collaboration, and equitable access underscore the need for culturally sensitive implementation. By synthesizing ecological wisdom, technological innovation, and sociocultural values, this entry advocates for harmonized care frameworks that prioritize dignity, autonomy, and equity. The findings establish a transformative framework for re-envisioning elder care in Asia, synergizing cultural heritage with technological innovation to holistically address the health, social, and environmental challenges confronting aging populations amid accelerating demographic shifts and ecological instability.