#Japan #Himeji #Himeji City #Hime-san Po #Besspura

Himeji City’s Health Points Initiative: An Overview

Himeji City, located in Hyogo Prefecture, has made remarkable strides in promoting health among its senior citizens through the introduction of the 'Hime-san Po' health points program. Managed by Besspura, a Tokyo-based company, this initiative aims to encourage physical activity and the mental well-being of individuals aged 65 and older.

As of just eight months post-launch, 4,109 seniors have signed up, resulting in an impressive participation rate of approximately 2.9% among the eligible population of 142,341. This program not only aims to boost individual health but has also significantly reduced administrative burdens within city government operations.

What is the 'Hime-san Po' Health Points Program?

Set to officially start on September 2, 2024, the 'Hime-san Po' program utilizes a brain health app known as the ‘Brain Health App.’ This application tracks activities like step counts, brain training exercises, health management, and participation in local events, awarding points that can be redeemed for various digital currencies, including PayPay points and giftee Box Select.

The program is designed with user accessibility in mind, offering a straightforward application and exchange processes promoted through the city’s official website. To cater to residents who may be less tech-savvy, Himeji City has initiated various support programs such as smartphone salons and workshops, addressing the digital divide effectively.

Additionally, the health points are linked to participation in local initiatives like the 'Ikigai 100-Year Body Exercises,' making the app an all-in-one tool for both fitness and engagement.

Recent Achievements and Impacts

As evidenced by feedback from city officials, the introduction of the app has resulted in tangible benefits:

• - Increased Participation: There has been a noticeable increase in both the number of registered organizations for the 'Ikigai 100-Year Body Exercises' and the number of participants involved in these activities.
• - Positive Engagement: The total steps recorded by participants amount to approximately 1.65 billion, equivalent to almost 29 circumnavigations of the Earth. This enthusiastic participation has allowed an estimated healthcare cost reduction of around 1.01 million USD, underscoring the program's efficacy in promoting health.
• - Engaging User Experience: Users have expressed delight in the process, noting how easy it is to collect and redeem points, further incentivizing them to maintain their physical activity.

Administrative Efficiency Gains

One key highlight of the 'Hime-san Po' program is how it has streamlined administrative functions for city officials. Reports show:

• - A reduction in queries concerning point collection and redemption procedures, indicating a user-friendly experience.
• - Improved information dissemination regarding city events through an integrated notification feature, making it faster and more efficient.
• - A significant decrease in administrative workload compared to traditional cash-based benefit methods, allowing for a more effective allocation of city resources.

Future Directions

Looking ahead, Himeji City plans to sustain the momentum of the 'Hime-san Po' initiative, with intentions to continually enhance the program. There are exciting prospects for future developments, including adding a stamp rally function for public and private facilities and offering unique walking routes tailored specifically for the city.

The collaborative spirit with Besspura remains strong as they strive to create an enjoyable environment for seniors to harness digital tools in their health journey while invigorating community activity.

Conclusion

The 'Hime-san Po' initiative serves as a pioneering example of how technology can be instrumental in engaging older adults in health-promoting activities. With renowned health advocates like Yasuyuki Toyama speaking highly of the program's outcomes, Himeji City is well on its way to setting a model for other municipalities. They aim to foster a healthier, more active, and community-oriented lifestyle for seniors, proving that age is just a number when it comes to engaging in health and wellness.

For more details on the initiative, residents can visit the Himeji City website at Himeji Health Points.

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Contact Information

For inquiries regarding the program, you can reach the Himeji City Elderly Support Division. For more about Besspura, visit their website or contact them at their provided email.