Toward a proper understanding of dementia
Dementia is not simply “forgetfulness.” It profoundly affects a person’s quality of life and dignity, a family’s sense of security, and even the sustainability of local communities. This makes it all the more important to create systems that allow everyone to age without worry. The Sompo Group has pledged to help create “a society prepared for dementia, where people can live true to themselves,” and continues to take on the challenge by drawing on the combined strengths of the entire organization.
Sompo Group’s work in building a society that values inclusive coexistence
Low birth rates and an aging population have given rise to what we call the ‘three concerns’ of health, nursing care, and post-retirement finances. In fiscal 2025, under a new management structure, we launched “SOMPO Wellbeing” in earnest to provide comprehensive, personalized solutions to these anxieties. Work on dementia is a very important element of this mission. Here are some ways how Sompo Group is contributing.
Lit up in orange: Raising awareness
Since 2017, on September 21 is World Alzheimer’s Day. On this day since 2017, our head office building in Shinjuku, Tokyo has been lit up in orange, the color for dementia awareness and understanding in countries like Japan. This annual event expresses the wish to build a society where “everyone can live and thrive while being prepared for dementia.”
SOMPO Smile Aging Program: Preventing cognitive decline
In partnership with Sweden’s Karolinska Institutet and Japan’s National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, we have developed the “Smile Aging Program” to help older adults maintain brain health through everyday lifestyle changes. By combining nutrition, exercise, and social interaction, this program offers practical ways to slow cognitive decline. Sompo Care continues to roll out this program in its care facilities nationwide with the aim of reducing dementia risk and extending healthy lifespans in Japan.
Sompo Cafe: Encouraging deeper understanding
We also host casual gatherings that create opportunities for people to see dementia as an issue close to home. We call them Sompo Cafe. By hearing directly from those living with dementia and their families, and by talking with other participants, Sompo Cafe attendees are able to deepen their understanding of dementia and empathy for those living with dementia.
Supporting peace of mind and happiness from all angles
Alongside these activities, we are stepping up new initiatives powered by data and science. At Future Care Lab in Japan, our research hub for scientific care, we use data from daily life and care settings to explore ways of predicting dementia progression and improving quality of care.
About Future Care Lab in Japan
Future Care Lab in Japan is the Sompo Group’s center for creating the future of nursing care. Sompo Holdings and Sompo Care opened the center in Shinagawa, Tokyo in February 2019. It recreates real-life living spaces for testing advanced care technologies from Japan and abroad. Its goal is to solve frontline care challenges and raise the quality of nursing care.
By combining AI and technology with the warmth of human touch, we are seeking new solutions that reduce staff workload while supporting people in living true to themselves. Some examples are introduced on the website.
Through both ongoing activities and future-oriented endeavors, the Sompo Group will continue to support peace of mind and happiness across society – working toward a world “prepared for dementia, where people can live true to themselves.”
