We are pleased to announce that Toyota KOSEN has joined the “Higashiura Study,” a long-term longitudinal epidemiological study led by the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, as a joint research institution.
The “Higashiura Study” is a long-term epidemiological study conducted mainly in Higashiura Town, Chita District, Aichi Prefecture, and the National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, with the aim of comprehensively elucidating the mechanisms of progression and improvement of frailty (decline in physical and mental functions due to aging) in old age. It aims to extend the healthy life expectancy of the elderly and build a scientific foundation for frailty prevention and intervention strategies.
In this study, universities, research institutions, and companies collaborate to analyze various physical, psychological, and lifestyle factors related to frailty. Toyota KOSEN is responsible for developing a machine learning model that predicts frailty status from acceleration data obtained from wrist-worn wearable devices, and for verifying its validity.
◆ Contents of this research (Toyota KOSEN in charge)
Design of frailty prediction model based on acceleration information
Evaluation of discriminant validity using machine learning
Development of algorithms that will form the foundation of an implementable prediction system
◆ Background of the Higashiura Study
Japan is facing a rapidly aging society, and there is a need for prevention technologies and intervention strategies to support the independent living of the elderly. “Frailty” is a state in which physical, cognitive, and social aspects decline in a complex manner, and extending healthy life expectancy is expected by detecting and addressing it early. The Higashiura Study aims to analyze the factors of frailty progression and improvement from multiple perspectives and to obtain knowledge that will serve as the basis for effective preventive interventions.
◆ Mission of Toyota KOSEN
Toyota KOSEN, as an educational and research institution based on engineering, emphasizes the implementation of technology in real society through industry-government-academia collaboration. Through our participation in this research, we will contribute to the development of advanced data analysis and machine learning technologies that contribute to the health support of the elderly, and to their social implementation.