Adding life to years
Text size:
-+=

Promoting community support and health services for all ages in Saitama, Japan


Promoting community support and health services for all ages in Saitama, Japan

Status: Ongoing

Saitama Prefecture, Japan Japan
Print this page City population: 7000000Practice started in 1978

Summary

This age-friendly practice is about how a local community and hospital promoting health and preventing diseases by creating an age-friendly environment in Saitama, Japan. By expanding preventative health services, organizing group activities, and emphasizing the importance of health-conscious choices, local residents are empowered to take control of their own health and well-being. Through effective service coordination, multidisciplinary care, and strong community support, it demonstrates how age-friendly environments can contribute to fostering a sense of community and promoting positive lifestyle choices for individuals of all ages.

See a feature story video at https://youtu.be/zL_hE5m-7P4

Key facts

Main target group: Both younger and older people (i.e. intergenerational)

Sector(s): Health

Desired outcome for older people:
Contribute

Other issues the Age-friendly practice aims to address:
  • Accessibility
  • Healthy behaviours (e.g. physical activity)
  • Inequities

Contact details

Name: SAKAMOTO, Haruka

Email address: sakamotoh@who.int

Preferred language(s): English; Japanese

Age-friendly practice in detail (click to expand):

Engaging the wider community

Project lead: Social or health care provider

Older people’s involvement: Older people were involved in the age-friendly practice at multiple or all stages

Moving forward

Has the impact of this age-friendly practice been analysed: No

Do you plan to evaluate your age-friendly practice? Yes

Looking back

Challenges:
Saitama Prefecture, located north of Tokyo, is facing the challenges related to population ageing. It is projected that by 2025, individuals aged 65 and older will make up more than a quarter of Saitama’s total population. Saitama Cooperative Hospital is leading the way by serving as an example of an age-friendly environment with strong community support and health services.