Exploring the Rise in Health Awareness Among Older Women in Japan: A 2025 Survey

In 2025, Halmech’s Ikikata Jouzu Research Institute conducted a survey targeting women aged 50 to 79 across Japan, revealing significant trends in health awareness and preventive practices. As the cost of health-related expenditures rises, so does the commitment to maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This article delves into the survey's findings, highlighting the evolving consciousness among older women surrounding health prevention and hygiene.

Survey Highlights

Rising Health Consciousness

The survey indicates a growing concern about preventive health measures. Notably, the percentage of participants focused on “preventing dementia” and “living a lifestyle less prone to illness” has noticeably increased since 2023. Furthermore, there is a remarkable rise in those regularly visiting clinics and dental offices, with figures climbing by about 13 points over three years.

Increasing Health Expenditures

Participants reported an average annual spending of approximately 157,000 yen on health, reflecting an increase of about 18,000 yen compared to last year’s survey. This uptick in health investment emphasizes a commitment to activities such as gym memberships, pharmaceuticals, and therapeutic massages.

Information Overload and Confusion

Despite heightened awareness, many participants expressed worries about misinformation regarding health. The proportion of women uncertain about credible health information soared to 24% in 2025, rising from 18.9% in 2023. Respondents conveyed feelings of confusion and frustration in navigating the plethora of health advice available today. Comments ranged from a desire for individualized health guidance to feeling overwhelmed by the pressure to adhere to various health standards.

Research Background

Halmech’s Ikikata Jouzu Research Institute aims to explore insights related to seniors. Understanding the evolving dynamics in health consciousness, especially among older women, this survey gathered crucial data regarding their health behaviors and awareness.

Survey Methodology

- Method: Web-based questionnaire
- Sample Size: 467 women aged 50-79, part of Halmech's monitoring organization
- Conduct Dates: September 9-12, 2025

Key Findings on Health Concerns

When asked about their focus areas concerning health prevention, top priorities included:
1. Preventing dementia
2. Maintaining a lifestyle that reduces illness
3. Regular exercise

The survey highlighted a notable increase in concerns related to various chronic health issues, emphasizing the need to mitigate risks associated with conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and osteoporosis. For instance, the proportion of women concerned about preventing osteoporosis rose from 5th to 3rd place, marking a significant shift in focus.

Expert Opinions

Dr. Yukie Umezue, the head of Halmech’s Ikikata Jouzu Research Institute, emphasizes the importance of this evolving health narrative among older women. She points out a contradiction: while there is a growing anxiety about health misinformation, actions taken toward disease prevention are steadily increasing. The spending growth indicates that despite the confusion, women are actively engaging with health services, asserting their need for wellness.

Conclusion

The 2025 survey conducted by Halmech encapsulates a significant transformation in health awareness among older women in Japan. As they continue to seek credible information and engage in preventive measures, the data reflects a proactive approach to health management. Industry stakeholders must heed these insights to better support this demographic, providing reliable information and fostering environments that encourage healthier lifestyles.

Through understanding these trends, stakeholders can contribute to a healthier future for the aging population, empowering women to embrace their health journey positively and confidently. Halmech continues to play a vital role in shedding light on the health interests and concerns of senior women, providing a platform to share these invaluable insights.