In aging housing complexes and community areas, the number of residents who cannot evacuate in an emergency is increasing. Wingate Co., Ltd. (Representative: Kenta Toyama) conducted a "Disaster Reduction Physical Fitness Test" on March 14, 2026, at the UR Midorigaoka Housing Complex in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture. A total of 150 residents participated, and it was found that the average score for those aged 70 and above was at the lowest level. The "visualization of those requiring support" through physical fitness data has the potential to significantly change disaster prevention and long-term care prevention measures by local governments.

1. Why Physical Fitness and Disaster Prevention Now?

Large-scale disasters occur almost every year in Japan, and many of the victims are elderly or those requiring special consideration. While local government disaster prevention measures primarily focus on establishing "knowledge, stockpiles, and evacuation routes," actual evacuation behavior critically depends on physical abilities such as "fleeing, crouching, and helping."

Wingate has focused on this issue and developed the "Disaster Reduction Physical Fitness Test" program, which combines physical fitness measurement with disaster drills. This program quantifies the physical fitness level of each resident, enabling early identification and targeted intervention for those requiring support.

2. Demonstration Results: Conducted on March 14, 2026, in Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture

- Date: March 14, 2026 (Saturday) - Venue: UR Urban Agency Midorigaoka Housing Complex, Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture - Number of Participants: 150 in total - App Measurements: 51 people - Collaborators: UR Urban Agency West Japan Branch, Gamba Osaka, Albis Midorigaoka Residents' Association - Endorsed by: Ikeda City - Cooperation: Wingate Co., Ltd.

▶ Key Points of Measurement Data (51 App Measurements)

- Age Group: 60s - Score Level: Standard to slightly low - Main Characteristics/Challenges: Issues with balance ability. Potential risk of falls. - Age Group: 70s and above - Score Level: Lowest level - Main Characteristics/Challenges: Urgent need for "visualization" of potential support recipients. Clear necessity for focused intervention.

*The average score for those aged 70 and above was the lowest among all age groups. The "visualization" of those requiring support and the necessity for focused intervention became clear through numerical data.*

3. Program Overview: Two Measurement Types

The Disaster Reduction Physical Fitness Test offers two types: "Simple Measurement" and "Formal Measurement." The event in Ikeda City this time was conducted using the Simple Measurement, which is easier for groups to participate in.

- Simple Measurement (conducted this time) - Number of Measurement Items: 3 items - Time Required: Approximately 5-8 minutes per person - Implementation Method: Group simultaneous measurement - Evaluation: S-D grade ranking (overall commentary) - Data Management: Grasping overall trends (simple record) - Follow-up: Overall commentary + rank notification - Recommended Scenarios: Events, disaster drills, trial sessions - Formal Measurement - Number of Measurement Items: 5 items - Time Required: Approximately 12-15 minutes per person - Implementation Method: Individual attendant method - Evaluation: S-D grade ranking + individual results sheet - Data Management: Individual data recording, analysis, and accumulation - Follow-up: Individual improvement training proposals - Recommended Scenarios: Local government projects, corporate health management, BCP

*In many implementation cases, it is effective to first gain understanding and interest from residents and stakeholders with Simple Measurement, and then step up to Formal Measurement.*

▶ Correspondence between Measurement Items and Disaster Scenarios

- Measurement Item: Chair Stand - Disaster Scenario: Escaping from furniture, climbing stairs - Simple: ○ - Formal: ○ - Measurement Item: One-Leg Stand - Disaster Scenario: Stability in darkness/on rubble - Simple: ○ - Formal: ○ - Measurement Item: Material Transport - Disaster Scenario: Transporting evacuation supplies/water tanks - Simple: — - Formal: ○

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event