Abstract: The new model of mutualaid community service for the aged is a social support activity other than family care, governmental care, and commercial elder care. It is a social support activity of selfmanagement and mutual assistance based on geographical relations, centered on voluntary participation of residents, driven by exchange and reciprocity. It is also an exploration and practice for Japan to cope with the issue of population ageing. Under the background of increasing population ageing, the new Japanese model of mutualaid community service for the aged not only meets the diversified needs of the elderly care, but also improves the level of active population ageing. At the same time, it still plays a role in alleviating the pressure on families and the government to provide for the elderly. The new Japanese model of mutualaid community service for the aged has certain implications for China's response to the ageing population as well.

Key words: Japan, population aging, family care for the aged, mutual-aid community service for the aged