Considerations from a medical perspective
Work at Biheart and the health of the elderly
Physician, Doctor of Medicine, Junichiro Koyanagi
Our country is facing a super-aging society, with approximately 30% of the total population being 65 years of age or older.
To maintain a healthy lifespan, it is important not only to prevent a decline in physical function but also to maintain connections with society.
Having treated many patients as an orthopedic surgeon,
Especially after retirement, activity levels decrease, leading to muscle weakness and reduced mobility.
I have seen many cases that lead to a decline in function (locomotive syndrome * ).
A decrease in opportunities to go out affects not only physical function but also mental isolation.
Now, let's take a look at how things work at Byheart Co., Ltd.
The shopping cart collection job involves walking around the store, so it naturally ensures a good amount of physical activity.
A 4-5 hour workday is equivalent to approximately 15,000-20,000 steps.
This amount of exercise significantly exceeds the target number of steps for seniors (approximately 6,000 steps).
There aren't many opportunities in daily life to consistently maintain this level of activity.
Furthermore, the task of connecting and transporting multiple carts provides a moderate load, which helps maintain muscle strength within reasonable limits.
Furthermore, it's important that the job involves daily interactions with society, such as greeting and guiding customers who come to the store, and coordinating with other staff members.
Combining physical activity and social participation is effective in maintaining healthy life expectancy * .
*Locomotor syndrome: A condition in which mobility is impaired due to disorders of the musculoskeletal system. *Healthy life expectancy: The period during which one can live without restrictions on daily activities.
Dr. Junichiro Koyanagi, Doctor of Medicine
Deputy Director of Orthopaedic Surgery, Osaka Rosai Hospital
Specialty: joint surgery, artificial hip joints/knee joints
Graduated from Osaka University Faculty of Medicine in 2003.
2012 Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Musculoskeletal Medicine
Graduate School of Musculoskeletal Medicine (Biomaterials)
Japanese Orthopaedic Association (Specialist)
Japanese Society for Artificial Joints (Certified Physician)