PinPinKorori or NenNenKorori: the historical and socioeconomic background of geriatric trauma care in Japan

INTRODUCTION: Aging is one of the most serious social issues, not only in Japan. A country’s socioeconomic conditions must be taken into account when considering the issue of rapid aging. The purpose of this review was to introduce the historical and socioeconomic background of geriatric trauma care in Japan. METHOD: Literature review regarding the trauma care for the elderly written in Japanese and English. RESULTS: “PinPinKorori” is a Japanese word which symbolizes an ideal, healthy life. “NenNenkorori” is the opposite of PinPinKorori. The Japanese elderly desire to live a healthy, active life and die (PinPinKorori) rather than being bedridden and dying in agony. A bedridden individual (NenNenKorori) is a candidate for receiving end-of-life care. End-of-life care is a form of trauma care for the elderly that ensures quality of death for those in need. CONCLUSIONS: I encourage the elderly to document their advance care preferences with decision-making capacity in order to avoid futile care. Healthcare providers should strive to provide optimum care to the patients in their best interest and ensure not to provide treatment that is not desired by the patients. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level IV.