Participation in 'Communal Gathering Places' Prevents Elderly Care Needs: Toyonaka City and Osaka Metropolitan University Verify Effects

Toyonaka City has been collaborating with Osaka Metropolitan University since August of Reiwa 6 (2024) to evaluate the effectiveness of its elderly care prevention initiatives. Recently, the city compared and analyzed care costs between participants and non-participants of the 'Toyonaka Power-Up Exercise,' one of the community-led 'communal gathering places' aimed at preventive care.

The results showed that among elderly individuals certified as requiring support or care level 1, those participating in the 'Toyonaka Power-Up Exercise' had lower care costs over a two-year period compared to non-participants—approximately a 30% reduction, averaging ¥9,813 per person per month. Reducing care expenses could help suppress future long-term care insurance premiums.

Going forward, Toyonaka City will continue collaborating with Osaka Metropolitan University to verify program effectiveness and further enhance preventive care initiatives such as 'communal gathering places,' enabling elderly residents to participate in community activities and continue living independently in their familiar neighborhoods.

'Communal gathering places' are community hubs where local residents gather informally, jointly plan activities, and expand networks of purpose and companionship through interaction, serving as focal points for local preventive care.

Overview of the 'Communal Gathering Place' and the Toyonaka Power-Up Exercise Autonomous Group

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Toyonaka City's original preventive care exercise program

A resident-led local activity featuring the 'Toyonaka Power-Up Exercise'

Photos of the Toyonaka Power-Up Exercise in action

The Toyonaka Power-Up Exercise Autonomous Group

For detailed results of the effectiveness evaluation, click here