Considering the increased aging population, and the effects of climate change, we examined the energy conservation measures of older adults in Japan, one of the fastest-aging countries in the world, to determine a balance between aging, and low-carbon societies. Although the relationship between aging and energy demands has been previously researched, few studies have identified effective intervention methods for reducing energy consumption in aging societies. We identified the characteristics of older adults’ energy consumption, using national statistical surveys and home visit interviews to investigate the context leading to their consumption. The results revealed that older households tend to possess older or larger houses, older housing equipment, and more home appliances. Further, older adults tend to remain in their houses for longer periods, and are less likely to alter their status quo. The results suggest that, the individuals who convey the message might have a greater impact on reducing older adults’ energy consumption than the energy consumption information conveyed. Additionally, behavior changes such as housing renovation or relocation should be promoted among early-stage older adults before their cognitive and physical abilities decline.

考虑到人口老龄化的增加以及气候变化的影响，我们研究了日本老年人的节能措施，日本是世界上年龄最快的国家之一，以确定老年人与低碳社会之间的平衡。尽管以前已经研究了衰老与能源需求之间的关系，但是很少有研究确定有效的干预方法来减少衰老社会的能源消耗。我们使用国家统计调查和家庭访问访谈来调查导致老年人消费的环境，从而确定老年人的能源消费特征。结果显示，较老的家庭倾向于拥有较老或更大的房屋，较旧的住房设备以及更多的家用电器。此外，老年人往往会在他们的房屋中待更长的时间，并且不太可能改变其现状。结果表明，传达信息的个人可能比降低传达的能源消耗信息对降低老年人的能源消耗产生更大的影响。此外，应在早期的老年人认知和身体能力下降之前促进诸如住房翻新或搬迁之类的行为改变。