Advancing Geriatric Care in Japan: Integrating the 5Ms Framework With Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment for Enhanced Clinical Practice in a Super‐Aged Society
Open Access
- 23 July 2026
- journal article
- Published by Wiley in Geriatrics & Gerontology International
- Vol. 26 (7)
Abstract
Background: Japan faces unprecedented demographic challenges as the world's most rapidly aging country, with 29.4% of the population aged ≥ 65 (2025) and projections estimating 38% by 2065. While Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA) is the gold standard for geriatric care, its implementation in Japan remains limited to geriatric specialists, creating a significant gap in delivering optimal care to Japan's growing older adult population. Objective: To propose an integrated model that combines the 5Ms framework (Mind, Mobility, Medications, Multicomplexity, Matters Most) with CGA to enhance accessibility, practicality, and continuity of geriatric care in Japanese healthcare systems. Methods: This position statement synthesizes evidence on CGA effectiveness and the educational and clinical utility of the 5Ms, evaluates cultural considerations in Japan, and proposes a three‐tiered implementation model. Results: The integration of CGA and the 5Ms framework creates a tiered assessment continuum that adapts to clinical contexts, facilitates team‐based care, and improves quality and continuity across settings. The model supports education, quality improvement, and culturally sensitive care planning. Conclusions: The integration of the 5Ms and CGA offers a practical framework to formalize, connect, and strengthen geriatric care already being delivered across Japanese healthcare settings. The Japan Geriatrics Society supports this model as a guiding structure for phased implementation, workforce development, and ongoing evaluation to enhance the delivery of person‐centered geriatric care in Japan.Keywords
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