COUNTRY FOR OLD MEN — Japanese automakers want the elderly to remain active
The average number of children a Japanese woman gives birth to in her lifetime fell to 1.26 in 2022, according to the country’s annual population statistics. This fertility rate is far below the rate of 2.06 to 2.07, which is needed to maintain a stable population
photographs courtesy of Honda Global HONDA has finally developed its next-generation ‘personal mobility device’ for elderly and differently abled individuals.
Japan has a population of about 125 million and is blessed for having one of the highest life expectancies in the world. While this means Japanese people are able to live 75 years fully healthy and without any disabilities, the country unfortunately suffers from having one the lowest birth rates in the world.
The average number of children a Japanese woman gives birth to in her lifetime fell to 1.26 in 2022, according to the country's annual population statistics. This fertility rate is far below the rate of 2.06 to 2.07, which is needed to maintain a stable population.
This means Japan's elderly population is ballooning in number, which at the moment, is almost a third of the population (29.1 percent) or an estimated 36.23 million. The Philippines, in comparison, has 9.2 million individuals belonging to the age of 60 years and older or 8.5 percent of the country's population of 112 million, according to the most recent (2020) Philippine Statistics Authority report.
At the just concluded Japan Mobility Show (previously known as the Tokyo Motor Show), a number of participating automakers recognized this development in their country and have come up with several new or concept mobility solutions that could soon aid elderly individuals be able to move around places with minimum assistance from others. Here are some of the notable ones.
Honda Uni-One
Honda's Uni-One "personal mobility device" is an interesting product. It reminds you of a wheelchair, a stool, and the Segway (the two-wheeled, self-balancing personal transporter device which was popular in the early 2000s). Like a stool, you can just sit on the Uni-One.
But don't forget to strap yourself in because just like a wheelchair, you will be moving around at a maximum speed of 6 km/h or the pace of brisk walking. Now, the Segway part of this ride is the fact that you will just need to shift your body forward, backward or even sideways to steer this device.
Since the user no longer needs his or her hands to steer, that person can now perform various tasks while seated. In addition, the seat can be elevated or lowered, enabling the user to work and move around while maintaining eye contact with the people around.
