What will the world be like if the world looked more like a retirement community? Japan will probably find out first.

The latest episode of the incredibly great Radiolab podcast was about mortality, so naturally there was a segment on Japan – the fastest aging country in the world. They touched on ways Japan is trying to care for legions of senior citizens and keep them happy. My favorite idea is combining a daycare with a retirement community, but one of the most popular options is Paro, the robotic seal. Until kids run on batteries, I’m guessing Paro will retain his number-one spot.