To develop technologies that improve total living functioning in the elderly to prevent/improve their disable or bed-bound conditions and to allow them to live physically and socially independent lives. According to the WHO's definition, "functioning" is a comprehensive concept of human living (on biological, personal, and social levels). We are engaged in research to prevent declining and improve functioning in the elderly. Also engaged in research to prevent/improve disuse syndrome, which is often the cause of the deterioration of physical/mental functions and dependent conditions in the elderly. Improving the technologies for the elderly to recover from disuse syndrome and enhance their functioning: rehabilitation, ﾒassistive care to improve,ﾓ elderly-friendly nursing, and care management. Studying how "dependent state prevention" (prevention of deterioration of functioning) should be managed in relation to medical care and municipal administration. From the same standpoint, we develop guidelines for preventing declining of functioning in natural disaster. Relying easily on a wheelchair when becoming difficult to walk makes people who shall be able to walk unable of walking for life (man-made inability of walking). We are studying how to prevent and recover from this condition. ＊Functioning ： A basic concept defined in the WHO's ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health). Functioning consists of three levels:body functions/structure, activities, and participation (roles at home and in society). ＊Disuse syndrome ： A condition in which almost all physical and mental functions deteriorate due to inactive daily life. back to index