Touring Indian Sr citizens feel ‘at Home’ in Japan; impressed by facilities for elderly persons   

TOKYO: Japan has earned a reputation for being senior-citizen friendly in several aspects and this made a group of over 50 senior citizens aged between 60 and 80 to plan a trip to Japan for incredible experience and lifetime memories. The valuable lessons we learnt during their 9-day trip when they found that the approach Japan adopts towards the senior citizen care and support inspired them.

According to Taran Deep, Tour Director for this trip to Japan, “The travel destinations planned for various countries as per the yearly calendars is also with a focus as to which country packs in nature, culture, history stories in one visit and above all, the friendliness and the support to our senior citizen travelers. Japan tops the list in this regards. And that’s why, the response levels to this destination is very high and we plan it in our calendar multiple times.”

The trip to Japan was organised by KareVoyage for 50 Plus Wanders travel and experiences platform that caters to the needs of travelers over 50 who like to travel in small groups and discover the world.

This group of elderly people from across India enjoyed the privilege of travelling to four cities in Japan – Tokyo, Mount Fuji, Hiroshima and Kyoto in March. Stays in each city awed them on the sensitivity the locals had towards this age group. Some key points were primarily the social infrastructure and accessibility wherein Japan has invested heavily to cater to the needs of its senior citizens. This includes barrier-free public transportation, well-maintained sidewalks with ramps, and accessible facilities in public buildings. This supports seniors to navigate public spaces safely and independently.

Above all, the touring group was surprised with the detailing and thoughtfulness at various public areas including the post-offices where there were stick holes to put the walking stick for convenience while the seniors finish the work they come to these public areas for.

Empathy and sensitivity was seen in the eyes of each and every Japanese when they could be seen extending support to this age group as and when needed. “We were informed by our Guide that Japan had good facilities of Healthcare Services and Elderly Care Facilities. They focus a lot on geriatric care facilities and trained healthcare professionals,” she added.

Overall, age-friendly policies was visible as this aging population looked healthier, active, and happy which was a pure delight for all and something to take back home to India and ponder over.

According to Ms Rekha Sareen, 80 years old traveler and wife of a retired Major General, said, “We have travelled around the world but Japan always fascinates us as a couple due to the humbleness and hospitality of the natives here. This makes the overall travelling experience very memorable.”

According to Ms Shefali Jain Mishra, Founder of KareVoyage-for 50plus Wanderers, through years of running a travel company and having journeyed alongside with Senior Citizens and a number times to Japan,  she can say with confidence that each visit to this country evolves them due to Japan’s value systems which is deeply rooted in its cultural and historical heritage.

“Overall, due to the strong value systems of respect and humility, by and large Japanese community supports us and guide us in the best ways. Japanese culture places great importance on hospitality and courtesy, often expressed through gestures such as bowing, offering gifts, and providing excellent service.  This collectively contribute to the unique fabric of Japanese society and indirectly supports us especially when we are travelling with a group of Senior Travelers from 60-85 years of age,” she added.