Yabu City and Hitachi's New Healthcare Initiative
In a significant move towards addressing the challenges posed by an aging population, Yabu City, located in Hyogo Prefecture, has partnered with Hitachi to create an innovative healthcare check service. This service leverages advanced digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI), to improve early detection of cognitive decline and enhance individual well-being. Given the increasing importance of these issues, this initiative is timely and critical.
Launching the Healthcare Check Service
The healthcare check service aims to provide Yabu City residents with tools to evaluate their cognitive functions and to support their mental health and overall well-being. Starting June 20, users can access various features of this online service, which requires personal identification via their My Number cards. The service offers assessments related to cognitive function and social engagement opportunities tailored to individuals based on their needs.
Specific functionalities of the service include a cognitive function assessment to help users understand their current mental state and lifestyle conditions. Leveraging AI analysis, users receive personalized suggestions for social activities and community gatherings. This initiative aims not only to support early detection of dementia but also to foster connections between individuals and their communities, striving towards a society where residents can live positively and authentically despite the challenges posed by dementia.
Notably, this initiative is supported by Japan's Digital Rural City Concept Grant, focusing on high-level AI utilization, under the guidance of the Medical Culture Economic Glocal Research Institute, a public interest corporation that aims to improve citizens' well-being through integrated research and support initiatives.
The Growing Need for Such Services
Japan is witnessing a rapidly aging population, with projections indicating that the number of dementia patients could soar to about 5.23 million by 2030, representing one in seven older adults. When including those with mild cognitive impairment, this number exceeds 11 million. Yabu City is expected to reflect this trend, necessitating proactive measures for early intervention.
Research has identified 14 risk factors that accelerate dementia onset. Furthermore, developments in treatment and prevention are rapidly progressing, emphasizing the need for solutions that address not only medical but also social and environmental aspects affecting residents' lives.
In this context, Yabu City has identified the importance of fostering community connections through