In a closing session, Tomoo Matsuda, Research Director of the Mitsubishi Research Institute, and Stefania Bandini of the University of Milano-Bicocca offered perspectives that broadened the summit’s focus from biological mechanisms to societal frameworks for longevity.
Matsuda presented the concept of a “Platinum Society,” which reimagines older adults as active contributors to society21. Contrasting the negative connotations of a “Silver Society,” he proposed a framework in which the elderly bring value to citizens, businesses, local governments, and academia. Drawing on real-world data from regional pilot programs, he showed that community-based initiatives fostering social participation, daily activity, and intergenerational ties could contribute to a decline in long-term care needs, even amid an aging population.
Among various initiatives, he introduced “Exadon” as a representative example of community-based programs aligned with the “Platinum Society” vision22. This program, which combines exercise, traditional Japanese taiko drumming, and group interaction, is designed to fosters both physical well-being and social connection among older adults. He also highlighted community practices such as multi-use community centers where seniors mentor children, illustrating how intergenerational engagement can benefit society. Because such community practices cannot easily be evaluated with the rigor of controlled trials, their assessment inevitably has limitations; nevertheless, they play a valuable role in promoting activity, connectedness, and participation in local settings. Finally, Matsuda advocated for policy innovations such as care credits and “second compulsory education” for seniors to support lifelong participation in society. He emphasized that such approaches can help reframe longevity as a positive and inclusive force across all sectors of society.
Following this, Bandini presented how digital tools and geographic data can support aging populations, especially in rural and mountainous regions. She began by introducing AGE‑IT, a major national research initiative in Italy that addresses the social and technological challenges of an aging society23. She illustrated the challenges facing Italy’s “inner areas,” which comprise 60% of national land and house 22% of the population. These regions, much like rural Japan, struggle with depopulation, limited infrastructure, and dependence on informal care networks. While traditional diets, strong social ties, and clean environments in these areas support healthy aging, the outmigration of younger generations has led to social fragmentation, loss of traditional knowledge, and declining access to essential services.
To design infrastructure that meets the needs of aging populations in rural areas, Bandini argued that walkability is an essential factor, especially in mountainous terrain24. Drawing on case studies, she explained how Geographic Information Systems (GIS), AI, and IoT technologies can help identify local vulnerabilities, such as limited access to medical care, nutritious food, and caregiving services, and support the design of targeted interventions25. These findings underscore the importance of integrating digital innovation with local needs and conditions to foster age-friendly environments in rural communities.
Together, the two speakers underscored the importance of viewing population aging not as a burden, but as a chance to redesign society with a balance of innovation and compassion, and to align technological solutions with human dignity.
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