Why Don't People Attend Preventive Care Classes? 66% of Those Aged 65 and Over Say They 'Don't Want to Participate'

Renaissance Inc. (Headquarters: Sumida-ku, Tokyo; President and CEO: Misao Mochizuki; hereinafter 'the Company') has published 'The Latest 2026: Why Don't People Participate in Preventive Care? Challenges and Solutions Seen from a Survey of 500 People,' summarizing the results of a questionnaire survey conducted on 500 local residents aged 65 and over nationwide.

Background of the Survey

With the progression of aging in Japan, the increase in nursing care costs has become a social issue. Particularly due to the increase in the population aged 85 and over, nursing care expenses are expected to continue rising, prompting local governments to promote preventive care projects. The importance of preventive measures before requiring long-term care is increasing to improve the QOL of the elderly and create sustainable communities.

On the other hand, securing participants is a challenge for preventive care projects. Approaching healthy elderly individuals and those who are indifferent is particularly difficult, and many local governments struggle with stagnant or fixed participant numbers. Therefore, the Company conducted a survey targeting 500 local residents aged 65 and over regarding their intention to participate in preventive care projects, reasons for not participating, and conditions that would make participation easier.

Main Survey Results

66.0% are reluctant to participate in preventive care classes

In response to the question 'Would you like to participate in 'preventive care classes' in the future?', a total of 66.0% answered 'I don't think I want to participate' or 'I don't really want to participate.' While the importance of preventive care is increasing, it became clear that there is a major challenge in terms of willingness to participate.

The most common reason for not wanting to participate is 'I don't think I need it right now'

The most common reason for not wanting to participate in preventive care classes was 'I don't think I need it right now' at 54.5%. Meanwhile, 'The procedures seem troublesome' was only 7.3%, and 'It doesn't seem effective' was only 6.1%, suggesting that the reason for not participating is not simply 'not wanting to do it,' but rather a perception that 'it's not my problem yet.'

Only 5.4% perceive preventive care classes as 'a fun place'

Regarding the image of preventive care classes, 'a place where elderly people gather' (50.8%), 'a place to exercise' (49.0%), and 'a place to hear health talks' (41.0%) were the top responses. On the other hand, only 5.4% answered 'a fun place,' suggesting that while the content itself is recognized to some extent, it does not lead to a positive experiential image that makes people want to go.

Design starting from 'personal relevance' is important for improving participation rates in preventive care projects

This survey revealed that the reasons for not participating in preventive care projects are not 'low motivation,' but rather a perception of 'I don't need it yet' and a lack of an experiential image that feels 'fun' or 'makes me want to go.' To increase participation rates, an approach combining awareness-raising about the importance of preventive care, messaging that makes people feel it is relevant to them, easy-to-try participation pathways, and experience design that conveys enjoyment is required.

▶ 'Why Don't People Participate in Preventive Care Initiatives? Challenges and Solutions from a Survey of 500 People': https://rena-bg.s-re.jp/blog/319

▶ Request for Materials: https://rena-bg.s-re.jp/download/5120883

Survey Overview

Survey Target: Local residents aged 65 and over nationwide / Those not certified as needing long-term care / Those not using services covered by long-term care insurance (such as home-visit care or day services)

Survey Method: Web questionnaire

Valid Responses: 500

Survey Period: February 27, 2026

Conducting Organization: Renaissance Inc.

Renaissance's Preventive Care Business

Leveraging know-how cultivated through supporting preventive care projects in 320 local governments and over 15,000 classes nationwide, the Company's preventive care business focuses on creating 'a place where people want to gather, resulting in health,' rather than 'gathering people for the purpose of exercise.'

For example, by providing diverse entry points that do not foreground health improvement, such as smartphone classes, hobby and cultural courses, and community exchange events, the Company supports creating touchpoints with segments previously uninterested in preventive care. Furthermore, by fostering connections among participants and creating roles within the community, the Company forms a community where people feel they 'want to come again,' leading to continued participation.

[Case Study: City A: Preventive Care × ICT Classes]

<Proposed Solution>

・Approaching indifferent segments through the lens of ICT classes

・Promoting social participation using communication tools like SNS

<Results>

・Approaching indifferent segments through smartphone-based classes led to an increase in participants

・Male participation increased compared to other projects

▶ About Renaissance's Preventive Care Business: https://rena-bg.s-re.jp/rena_kaigoyobou

Company Overview

Under its corporate philosophy of 'Proposing a healthy and comfortable lifestyle to customers as a life-value creation company,' Renaissance operates 330 facilities (as of the end of March 2026), including sports clubs and nursing care rehabilitation facilities. The Company is also developing a wide range of services in the health field, including health promotion support for companies and health insurance associations, contracting preventive care projects from local governments nationwide, online business, home fitness business, and initiatives targeting overseas markets, aiming to become a 'Well-Being Co-Creation Company for the 100-Year Life Era,' its long-term vision.

Renaissance Inc.

Head Office: 2-10-14 Ryogoku, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 130-0026

Representative: Misao Mochizuki, President and CEO, Chief Health Officer

Established: August 13, 1982

▶ Website: https://www.s-renaissance.co.jp/