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

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.