Robert L. Clark · The Gerontologist 1996 · narrative policy review · n=?

Human Resource Policies and Older Workers in Japan

Cited 18 times in the scientific literature.

Level 5 - mechanism / opinion, no new human data

Level 5 by design analogy; narrative policy review without systematic or experimental methodology.

OpenAlex W2101966298 · doi:10.1093/geront/36.5.627 · record verified 2026-08-26

What was done

The author analyzed human resource policies affecting older workers in Japan using a variety of information sources on Japanese employment practices. The review examined trends regarding lifetime employment, seniority-based compensation, retirement policies, and government-mandated increases in retirement age.

What was found

The abstract reports no numerical data or quantitative outcomes. It reports qualitatively that employers are modifying lifetime employment and seniority wage structures, mandatory retirement ages are being raised under government pressure, and further organizational adjustments are anticipated as population aging continues.

Why it matters

This review outlines the early corporate and policy responses in Japan to a rapidly aging workforce, marking a departure from traditional lifelong employment models.

Limits

The abstract provides no sample sizes, specific datasets, or formal search methodology. As a narrative review from 1996, findings reflect historical conditions and cannot establish causal impacts of specific human resource policy changes.

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