Health Anxiety of Working Professionals: 'Cancer' and 'Dementia' Rise with Age; High Interest in 'Easy Gut Microbiome Testing' as a Solution for MCI (Mild Cognitive Impairment)

The PMG Group (PMG Holdings Co., Ltd., PMG Co., Ltd., PMG Partners Co., Ltd., PMG Logistics Co., Ltd., and PMG MA Partners Co., Ltd.) announces the introduction of the gut microbiome testing and analysis service 'Kencho Navi' (operated by Symbiosis Solutions Co., Ltd.) as part of its health management promotion efforts.

This initiative aims to establish a system that allows employees to grasp risks at the 'pre-illness' stage—before they get sick—and to maintain and improve their health in daily life.

■ Survey of 'Kencho Navi' participants within the company: About 90% answered they 'would recommend it to family or acquaintances,' marking a major opportunity for employees to face their own health.

Here are some results from the survey conducted among employees who actually took the 'Kencho Navi' test.

'Why did you want to take the test?'
- 'I have many relatives with cancer or high blood pressure, and I thought it was better to know what kind of risks I have.' (Human Resources Department)
- 'While there are other options like comprehensive medical checkups, I had an impression they were expensive, and health was falling in priority. I decided to take it because this was an opportunity to learn about my body.' (Executive Secretary)
- 'I recently had issues with my gut and had a cancer screening at a hospital, so my interest was high. Cancer screenings only tell you if there is a possibility of cancer.' (PMG Partners)
- 'To know my body's condition and for future disease prevention.' (General Affairs Department, Operations Management Division)
- 'I wanted to know which foods and ingredients suit my body and the risks of diseases.' (Osaka Branch, West Japan Management Support Division)

Responses such as 'I want to know which foods and ingredients suit me' and 'I want to prevent future disease risks' were gathered.
It is clear that many employees had high expectations for the ability to visualize their body's condition and disease risks using objective data on their gut environment.

'Was the test preparation (content of the manual) easy to understand?'
- 'Very easy to understand' (53.3%), 'Easy to understand' (38.5%)
- 'Neither' (4.1%)
- 'Difficult to understand' (0.8%), 'Very difficult to understand' (3.3%)

'Did you feel any discomfort or resistance to the test itself?'
- 'None at all' (59.0%), 'A little' (29.5%)
- 'Neither' (8.2%)
- 'Yes' (1.6%), 'Very much' (1.6%)

It became clear that clear procedures for the unfamiliar task of 'stool collection at home' are a major factor in lowering psychological and physical hurdles.

'Would you recommend it to family or acquaintances?'
- 'Strongly recommend' (50.8%), 'Recommend' (45.9%)
- 'Would not' (3.3%), 'Absolutely not' (0%)

About 90% of employees answered they 'would recommend it,' showing an increasing awareness of using it not just for their own health, but also for managing the health of loved ones.

In this way, the introduction of 'Kencho Navi' has gone beyond the framework of mere fringe benefits and has become the 'first step in behavioral change,' where each employee seriously reviews their health condition and daily lifestyle (diet, sleep, exercise).

The PMG Group will continue to promote 'health management' through feedback from test results and accompanying internal measures, ensuring employees can stay healthy and active in mind and body for a long time.

■ Awareness survey conducted among 1,023 office workers aged 20-50 nationwide: 'Age-specific symptoms and anxiety about future disease risks' revealed.

In conjunction with the internal survey, an awareness survey was conducted among 1,023 office workers aged 20-50 nationwide regarding 'age-specific symptoms and anxiety about future disease risks.'

Here is an excerpt of the survey results:

■ 'Chronic fatigue/general malaise' is the most common feeling for all age groups!

When asked, 'Do you feel any of the following physical or mental changes recently?' chronic fatigue/general malaise was the most common response in all age groups.
Since the accumulation of daily fatigue, such as 'fatigue' and 'sleep,' ranks high in every age group, it is evident that many office workers cannot take sufficient rest and are in a chronic stress environment.
Also, among those in their 20s-40s, many answered, 'I am concerned about metabolic syndrome.'
On the other hand, for those in their 50s, the percentage answering, 'I cannot recall names of people or things immediately, or my forgetfulness has increased' is higher than in other age groups, suggesting that 50 is a turning point where individuals begin to realize not only physical fatigue but also the decline in brain function associated with age.