As Japan prepares for at least another month under a state of emergency, the large elderly population faces a double fight — avoiding the coronavirus and making sure the very measures taken to protect them don't cause their health to deteriorate.
Increased calls to stay home to slow the virus have seen older people reduce both physical activity and social interaction with friends, family and neighbors, raising the risk of physical and mental decline.
Medical experts are advising seniors to exercise, eat well and stay connected with people — not necessarily face to face but by telephone, mail or social media — to stay healthy.