Yesterday, I took a day trip to Osaka to participate in a panel discussion at the Smart Aging Forum.
About 600 seniors attended. The event was organized by the Smart School Promotion Council.
As the name suggests, this is an organization that promotes “Smart Schools” for seniors, but
they are now launching “Smart Schools for Kids.”
As the name implies, this is a collaborative project between seniors and kids across the country.

As I listened to yesterday’s presentations, I was surprised by how uniquely creative the examples of smartphone and tablet use by seniors across the country were.
They’ve formed “Platinum Bands” to perform music using smartphones and tablets, do IT-based exercise routines,
learn how to take flattering selfies, and even use a real-time cloud captioning service during the event—where an operator in Hiroshima
(which you can watch on your smartphone!).
It wasn’t just about having fun; there were also many examples of innovative ways to ensure their own safety and peace of mind, such as launching senior safety monitoring services.
I was particularly struck by comments like: “Smartphones and tablets have expanded our world,” “Community bonds have deepened,” and “We’ve gained a reliable ally in times of disaster.”
Several speakers mentioned that people in their 80s are very active and energetic, and
Ms. Wakamiya—known as “Ma-chan,” who was on today’s panel—is also turning 80 soon.
Ms. Wakamiya’s TED presentation generated a huge response.
I want to be a charming, energetic grandma like her one day! ♪
Video of Ms. Wakamiya’s presentation.
http://www.tedxtokyo.com/talk/masako-wakamiya

I hope that through “Smart School for Kids,” we can foster intergenerational exchange that goes beyond just the use of ICT.
We’ll be holding a kickoff workshop on September 27 at Japan’s first post office, the “Nihonbashi Post Office.”
http://smart-school.jp/kids/

P.S.: It was also featured on NHK.
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/kansai-news/20140917/3918131.html