Considerations from a medical perspective
Work at ByHeart and the health of the elderly
Dr Junichiro Koyanagi, Physician, Doctor of Medicine
Our country is facing a super-ageing 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 orthopaedic surgeon, older people's activity levels decrease, especially after retirement, 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 the staff work at ByHeart Co., Ltd.
The shopping trolley collection job involves walking around the mall, 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 are few opportunities in daily life to consistently maintain this level of activity. Furthermore, the task of connecting and moving multiple trolleys provides a moderate load, which helps maintain muscle strength within reasonable limits.
Moreover, it is important that the job involves daily interactions with society, such as greeting and guiding customers who come to the mall, and coordinating with other staff members. Combining physical activity and social participation is effective in maintaining healthy life expectancy*.
*Locomotive 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, Physician, Doctor of Medicine
Deputy Head of Orthopaedics, Osaka Rosai Hospital
Specialty: Joint surgery, artificial hip and 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)