2015 年 42 巻 4 号 p. 465-470
In June 2006, Tokai University launched the Check-up System at the Tokyo Hospital with the aim of assessing age-related changes and various factors that influence their progression, and following up with medical intervention. Prior to launching this Anti-Aging Health Check-up System, we conducted a questionnaire survey of individuals who had received general health check-ups at our hospital. More than 90% of the respondents knew about anti-aging medicine and were interested in it. The tests carried out as part of our anti-aging health check-ups are broadly divided into those that indicate the present degree of aging and those that focus on factors that contribute to aging. Our Anti-Aging Health Check-up System includes more than 70 examination items and provides various unique services.
As of March 2015, approximately 1,640 individuals had received the anti-aging health check-up, and 75.4% of these were repeat recipients. The average age is currently 63.7 years for males and 61.7 for females. The gender ratio is 54% male compared to 46% female. Of the total number of recipients, 57% also received a general health check-up at the same time. By age group, individuals in their 60s account for the largest proportion with one-third of the total, and more than 80% of all those tested are aged 50 to 70. Some individuals have finished their 9th check-up, and many of them have kept aging-related markers steady or actually improved them.
The rationale of the Anti-Aging Health Check-up System, which assumes advancing age to be the biggest risk factor for disease and aims to identify signs and intervene at an early stage, is considered an appropriate step in the right direction in terms of primary prevention. However, it may not always be possible to clearly convey its importance due to its complex nature. To properly develop this aspect, it should always be based on evidence with the target of extending life expectancy; it should be judged objectively, without ignoring conflicting evidence, while sufficient information should be provided and options offered to those receiving the check-ups. In view of the super-aging society, we hope that this kind of health assessment and guidance method will take root and flourish.
