The main function of Community Welfare Centers for the Elderly is to provide recreational and educational services for the elderly. Most of them have a room and facilities for rehabilitation training. Most of them also have a free public bath. In addition, many centers provide counseling service. At present (October 1, 1994) there are approximately 2,190 such centers throughout Japan. The construction of these institutions is subsidized by the National Government.
In addition to the Community Welfare Centers for the Elderly, there are quite a number of small-scale neighborhood welfare centers for the elderly ("Rojin Ikoino Ie"- literally translated, "Rest and Relaxation House for the Elderly"). They are serving as places for older persons to visit together and enjoy various recreational activities. At present (October 1, 1994) there are approximately 4.500 such centers throughout Japan. When the local government constructs these houses, they can obtain low-interest loans from the National Government.
c) Old People's Clubs
Information on Old People's Clubs has already been given in a previ-
ous part of this paper. Therefore, please refer to p. 92.
I. Programs to Provide Opportunities to be Engaged in Gainful Occupations
Generally speaking, Japanese older persons, especially male older persons, want to continue to work as long as possible to live a meaningful life as well as to have extra income. In order to meet these needs, the following services are provided through a national subsidy.
a) Information Center for the Development of Vocational Ability of Older Persons (Koreisha Nouryoku Kaihatsu Jouhou Centah)
The main purpose of this kind of center is to find adequate jobs for unemployed older persons. It also serves as an information and advice center on various issues and problems of older persons. At present (October 1, 1994) there are 110 such centers throughout Japan.
b) Silver Manpower Center
The purpose of the Silver Manpower Center is to find opportunities for light, part-time gainful work for older persons. It is to be noted that this center is to be run by a not-for-profit organization of retired older per
