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Seminar Report on Senior Workers' Mental Health

On September 1, 2025, two companies, Senior Job based in Shinjuku, Tokyo, and Occulabo from Taito, Tokyo, collaborated to host a seminar focusing on the mental health of senior workers. The seminar titled, "Understanding Mental Health in Senior Workers: A Media Seminar with Occupational Therapists," aimed to address the increasing mental health challenges faced by the aging workforce.

Purpose of the Seminar

This event followed their first joint seminar held on May 17, 2023, which focused on well-being in the context of senior employment. Despite receiving positive feedback and significant media coverage, both companies recognized that many seniors face severe mental health challenges that need to be acknowledged before addressing overall well-being. As a result, the focus of the seminar shifted to delve deeper into the realities of mental health issues affecting seniors in the workplace.

With the approaching Respect for the Aged Day, the content was refined and emphasized by the expertise of Hajime Morishima, a prominent occupational therapist and CEO of Occulabo. Senior Job's Public Relations Manager, Mamoru Abiko, facilitated the discussion, aiming to prepare employers and seniors for the mental health implications related to work and aging.

Key Insights Discussed

The seminar highlighted various aspects of mental health and well-being among senior workers. Morishima discussed common characteristics of mental health issues across different age groups, emphasizing the critical moments in life when seniors should be particularly cautious of their mental well-being. The lack of awareness about mental health symptoms among seniors makes it imperative that companies create preventive strategies.

The necessity of understanding and anticipating potential mental health challenges allows individuals and organizations to bolster their mental health initiatives effectively. This involves fostering connections among employees and encouraging them to express their feelings and experiences openly. The rapport built between employers and employees can play a pivotal role in mitigating feelings of isolation, which is often a significant contributor to mental health deterioration.

Seminar Structure and Highlights

The event took place online via Google Meet and offline at the Senior Job conference room, featuring six participants keen on understanding mental health strategies for seniors. Key discussions involved mental health examples directly related to senior workers, potential triggers for mental health issues, and the steps businesses can take to create a more supportive environment.

Morishima pointed out that transitions in life and work are inevitable, especially as one ages. However, adapting to these changes is critical for maintaining mental wellness. He underscored that the root causes of mental health challenges often stem from an individual’s inability to understand and articulate their preferences and desires, stating, "When you cannot express what you truly enjoy or want, it becomes difficult for others to support you, perpetuating a cycle of discomfort and dissatisfaction."

Both speakers stressed the need for a shift towards understanding individual 'occupations'—roles that individuals find value in and are willing to invest time in. By comprehensively understanding one's strengths and weaknesses, seniors can define their roles more clearly, thereby maintaining a positive mental health state.

Quotes from the Speakers

Hajime Morishima commented, "The concept of 'milestones' is essential as we traverse our personal and professional lives. Recognizing the various stages we go through helps us understand the emotional fluctuations that may arise. It’s about adapting rather than avoiding change."

Mamoru Abiko highlighted the broader implications of job transitions for seniors, noting, "While a change in employment can be a catalyst for mental health issues, it can simultaneously provide an opportunity to reset and transform one’s mental state by redefining roles and environments."

Company Profiles

Occulabo

Occulabo specializes in applying occupational therapy approaches to enhance human capital management within companies, providing various consulting services aimed at supporting employees' mental and physical well-being. Their offerings include work-life balance analysis, management support, and educational programs tailored for midlife individuals.

Visit Occulabo’s website

Senior Job

Dedicated solely to individuals over the age of 50, Senior Job provides comprehensive services in job placement, staffing, and recruitment, aiming to address the challenges seniors face in the job market. The founder has actively engaged in discussions regarding senior employment in various media outlets.

Visit Senior Job’s website

This seminar provided invaluable insights into the mental health challenges faced by senior workers and highlighted the proactive steps that can be taken by both organizations and individuals to address these issues effectively.