Poor eyesight and hearing, and reduced physical strength often discourage elderly people from going out alone or visiting unfamiliar places where they can easily get tired or lost.
Some researchers, however, are painting a brighter picture for those who will be senior citizens in 2025, provided Japan can fully utilize its technological strengths in such areas as integrated circuit tags and robotics.
For instance, new high-rise buildings will talk to the people who enter and robots will accompany them on their journeys, even carrying heavy belongings for them.