A delegation from Leeds has flown to Japan to understand how the country is adapting to support its growing older population. Representatives from Leeds City Council's adult social care service have gone there because Japan faces similar demographic issues likely to be faced in the UK. The country has also just had a historic election which ended 55 years of rule by the Liberal Democratic party. The delegates were guests of the Japanese Government and a professor of Nihon Fukushi University. The invitation came as a result of a number of well-advanced projects in Leeds that support older people's wellbeing. They will be speaking at three separate conferences organised by the university, alongside Leeds Institute of Health Sciences and Armley Helping Hands. Cllr Peter Harrand, executive board member for adult health and social care, said: ‘I'm pleased our reputation is now spreading beyond our shores and the Leeds team is able to share its work with leading academics in Japan. The Japanese have visited Leeds and now want us to present our work in person at their university.'
