Turning Daycare 'Gaps' into Community Assets! Seihoukai Launches 'Imakara', a Self-Service Senior Fitness Model in Chikusei City, on June 1st

Turning Daycare 'Gaps' into Community Assets! Seihoukai Launches 'Imakara', a Self-Service Senior Fitness Model in Chikusei City, on June 1st

Social Welfare Corporation Seihoukai (Headquarters: Chikusei City, Ibaraki Prefecture; Chairman: Kazunari Watanabe), which provides elderly and disability welfare services in Chikusei City, Ibaraki Prefecture, will launch 'Imakara' on June 1, 2026 (Monday). This is a self-service senior fitness model, part of Chikusei City's community support pilot project, which effectively utilizes the time slots before and after regular operations at its 'Shiratori Hawaiian Day Service Center'.

This project serves as an exit strategy for the regional issue of a lack of options for seniors who have 'graduated' from short-term intensive preventive services (Type C outpatient services) promoted by national and local governments. Adopting a 'free-flow' style, the service has no membership fees and is open to any Chikusei City resident aged 65 or older for 100 yen per session. It proposes a new general preventive care mechanism that supports the extension of healthy life expectancy and the creation of proactive communities.

### Social Background and Project Objectives

1. Exit Strategy for Government-Recommended 'Type C' Services

National and local governments are currently promoting a transition to 'Short-term Intensive Preventive Services (Type C)' to maintain and improve physical and mental functions in the short term. However, after 3 to 6 months of service, many seniors who have improved remain without affordable local options to continue their exercise routines.

2. Converting 'Gap Time' into 'Community Assets'

Seihoukai addresses this regional challenge by utilizing the 'morning (8:30–10:00)' and 'evening (16:00–17:30)' hours when the daycare facility is typically not in operation. By opening these hours to local seniors, a space with existing professional equipment and resort-like atmosphere has been repurposed for senior use.

### Key Features and Differentiation

1. Self-Style Respecting Senior Autonomy

'Imakara' is a freestyle program where participants can exercise according to their physical condition rather than fixed schedules. Using original demonstration videos featuring staff, participants can use 'Redcord' (suspension training) or various hydraulic training machines at their own pace.

2. Enhanced Optional Services

Beyond the exercise space, participants can pay additional tickets to use advanced relaxation and assessment equipment available in the daycare center:

- Waterbed Massage: Relaxation equipment that relieves body tension with gentle water pressure. - Ceramic Bath (Toubanyoku): A hot saunaloom that warms the body to its core while fully clothed to enhance natural healing. - Driving Simulator (Appointment required): A simulator to understand one's driving habits and extend safe driving longevity.

3. Simplified Access and 100-Yen Ticket System

There are no restrictions like basic checklists or application submissions. Any Chikusei citizen aged 65+ can use it. There are no fixed costs like enrollment or monthly fees. The 100-yen-per-session fee is paid only when used, making it highly sustainable. Tickets can be purchased at the facility in packs of 5 (500 yen) or 11 (1,000 yen).

4. Visualization of Health via Periodic Monitoring

As a pilot project, staff conduct fitness measurements (5m walking speed, single-leg standing time, grip strength) roughly every six months to help participants see their progress through data.

### Service Overview

- Name: General Preventive Care Pilot Project 'Imakara' - Launch Date: June 1, 2026 (Monday) - Operating Hours: Morning (08:30–10:00), Evening (16:00–17:30) - Target: Chikusei residents aged 65+ who can commute independently (no pick-up/drop-off provided).