Himeji City Introduces Health Points for Bus Rides to Promote Well-Being

Himeji City Enhances Health with Community Bus Points

Himeji City, in collaboration with Besspla, has initiated an exciting program to promote well-being among its senior residents by introducing health points for bus rides. Coinciding with Dementia Awareness Month, the initiative aims to encourage community engagement and outdoor activities. This health points system, known as "Hime-san Po," was introduced to motivate residents to use local community buses as part of their daily health routines.

What is Hime-san Po?

The "Hime-san Po" system targets residents aged 65 and older, providing them with a unique opportunity to earn health points through various activities. Each time they ride selected community buses, users can scan a QR code available in the bus for a total of five points per ride. This applies to just two rides a day per person, thereby promoting regular use of public transport as an essential part of maintaining an active lifestyle.

The community buses eligible for earning points include the ones specifically mentioned in Himeji's promotional materials, such as the community buses in Eshima and Boze, as well as other collaborative transport services between Fukusaki Town and Himeji City, such as the "Fuku-Hime" bus. More than just a walking initiative, this program encourages residents to embrace various means of transportation to stay active and healthy.

Earning Points through Daily Activities

In addition to bus rides, citizens can accumulate points by participating in physical activities, cognitive training through a specially designed brain development application, achieving dietary goals, and joining targeted events. These points can then be converted into a digital currency like PayPay points, enabling residents to enjoy tangible rewards for embracing healthier lifestyles. Points collected in the Hime-san Po system must be used before the end of each fiscal year, with expiration set for March 31.

Besspla plays a crucial role in this program by offering the app and supporting users with the operation and registration processes. This encouraging initiative assists seniors in tracking their daily health activities and underscores the importance of staying mentally and physically active.

Raising Awareness in Himeji Castle

In a remarkable display to inspire community awareness, Himeji Castle will be illuminated in orange, the symbolic color for dementia support, on September 21, marking National Dementia Day. This vibrant display will occur from 8 p.m. to 9 p.m., where the castle will shine a brilliant white for 15 minutes, further fostering the importance of understanding dementia within the community.

Himeji City is dedicated to ensuring that residents can live comfortably in their familiar surroundings regardless of dementia status. The local administration also provides information on where residents can seek assistance regarding dementia-related inquiries.

Supporting Older Adults with Technology

Recognizing that some older adults may face challenges with smartphone usage, Himeji City has also initiated smartphone workshops and counseling sessions to boost their confidence in using digital tools. Capturing moments where residents engage with the app on buses or seek assistance through these programs can provide valuable insight into the program's impact from the residents' perspective.

Besspla remains open to interview requests related to the app and its associated features, balancing these inquiries with the cooperation of relevant stakeholders within the transportation sector and local government. The aim is to highlight how this system facilitates regular engagement and physical activity within the community.

Conclusion

In summarizing, the health points initiative in Himeji City represents a new and innovative approach to ensuring optimal health among the elderly. By linking physical activity with public transport use, Besspla and Himeji City are setting a precedent for health promotion strategies that reinforce community ties and support mental engagement. Families and residents alike are encouraged to participate in this exciting venture that aims to significantly enhance public well-being.