# Enhancing Healthcare Access for Older Adults through Innovative Mobility Solutions Leveraging Public Assets

## TL;DR

Japan is improving healthcare access for older adults by using new mobility solutions and public infrastructure.

## Contribution

The paper introduces leveraging public assets like post offices to enhance mobility services for healthcare access.

## Key findings

- Innovative mobility services are being piloted to improve healthcare access for older adults in Japan.
- Public infrastructure, such as post offices, offers untapped potential to support these mobility solutions.
- Combining new and existing services can address rural healthcare access challenges.

## Abstract

Japan’s aging population and declining public transportation have reduced healthcare access, particularly for older adults in rural areas. Currently, innovative mobility services such as ridesharing, mixed cargo/passenger transport, and medical “Mobility as a Service” are being implemented or piloted alongside existing services for older adults, such as home-visit medical care and transportation subsidies. This letter highlights ongoing initiatives in Japan and their potential to improve healthcare access. It also explores opportunities to enhance these efforts by leveraging public infrastructure, such as the nationwide post office network.