Cosmolab, a marketing platform specializing in seniors (Company Name: Cosmo Health Co., Ltd., Headquarters: Minato-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Takashi Kozuka), has released a report on survey research regarding seniors' "soles."

This report surveyed seniors aged 50 and over about their desired life values, ways of interacting with society, anxieties about social participation, connections with people they wish to maintain, and forms of participation that are easy to engage in. While interest in social participation is high, the survey revealed a need for designs that consider the conditions and psychological hurdles to participation.

Cosmolab, a marketing service specializing in seniors: https://cosmolab.jp/lp/research/

Survey Topics

◆ Independence is the top priority, but interest in social connections remains strong

"Continuing a healthy and independent life" (60.4%) overwhelmingly emerged as the most important aspect for future life. On the other hand, regarding interaction with society, "I would like to participate if asked" (40.0%) and "I want to actively participate" (31.8%) ranked high, indicating that many people have a positive view of some form of social connection.

◆ Reasons for non-participation are burden and difficulty in taking the first step, rather than indifference

The top reasons for not being enthusiastic about social participation were "don't want my time or plans to be restricted" (31.6%), "I'm worried about the fatigue from social interaction" (29.9%), and "I lack confidence in my physical strength or health" (24.7%). This suggests that the anxiety is not about rejecting social participation itself, but rather about whether they can continue it or if it will be too much.

◆ What's needed are flexible and easily accessible connection opportunities

In terms of easy participation, "being able to participate only when needed" (60.8%) was overwhelmingly chosen, followed by "short-term, small-group activities" (16.1%). Regarding what they want to gain through social participation in the future, "companions and connections" (55.2%), "health" (55.2%), and "purpose and fulfillment" (51.7%) were high, clearly indicating a trend of seeking meaningful connections through low-burden interactions.

1: What do you value most in your life going forward? (Number of valid responses: 1144)

"Continuing a healthy and independent life" (60.4%) was overwhelmingly the most important aspect for seniors in their future lives, followed by "experiencing enjoyment and fulfillment" (17.6%) and "living calmly without overexertion" (16.3%). "Having connections with people and society" (5.7%) was a minority.

This result indicates that for seniors, social participation is not an end in itself, but is positioned on the foundation of maintaining an independent life. It is highly likely that social interaction is also perceived as a means to support that independence and health.

2: How do you want to interact with society in the future? (Number of valid responses: 1144)

Regarding interaction with society, "I would like to participate if asked" (40.0%) was the highest, followed by "I want to actively participate" (31.8%) and "I'm interested, but it's hard to take the first step alone" (18.3%). "I don't need to interact much" (9.9%) accounted for less than 10%.

In other words, many people are not rejecting interaction with society itself. There is a significant segment of people who want to participate if given a trigger or support, and the reality is closer to a state of "wanting to participate, but there's a hurdle to taking action on my own."

3: Please tell us the reasons why you are not enthusiastic about social participation. (Multiple answers possible) (Number of valid responses: 1144)

The reasons for not being enthusiastic about participating in social activities included "don't want my time or plans to be restricted" (31.6%), "I'm worried about the fatigue from social interaction" (29.9%), "I am satisfied with my current life" (25.3%), and "I lack confidence in my physical strength or health" (24.7%).

What becomes clear here is not indifference to social participation, but rather a preemptive anxiety about "it seems like too much of a burden" and "it seems tiring." Communicating the appeal of participation itself, as well as showing a system for involvement without overexertion, will be key to boosting participation intent.

4: To what extent do you currently interact with your community and people? (Number of valid responses: 1144)

Regarding current interaction with the local community, "I regularly participate in activities" (46.9%) was the most common, followed by "I have opportunities to participate occasionally" (27.0%). "I hardly participate" (21.5%) and "I have no particular interest" (4.6%) were minority responses.

Many people already have some form of social contact, and social participation is not limited to a select few active individuals. On the other hand, there are differences in the frequency and depth of contact, and how to provide forms that are easy to continue will be a key point going forward.

5: What kind of "connections with people (other than family)" do you want to continue in the future? (Multiple answers) (Number of valid responses: 1144)

Regarding interactions with people other than family that seniors want to continue, "interactions with friends and acquaintances" (77.1%) stood out, followed by "fellow hobbyists and learners" (46.2%), "interactions with neighbors" (36.6%), and "community gatherings and events" (30.1%). "I don't particularly seek connections outside of family" (3.8%) was a minority.

It is understood that seniors seek the continuation of familiar and natural connections rather than grand social contributions. This result shows that small, safe communities have higher value than places that require taking on special roles.

6: What are your concerns about continuing social participation? (Multiple answers possible) (Number of valid responses: 1144)

Concerns about continuing social participation were high for "concerns about physical strength and health" (46.9%) and "issues with time and life rhythm" (44.8%), followed by "whether interpersonal relationships will go well" (27.2%) and "anxiety about new environments" (24.2%).

It is understood that the ability to continue social participation depends more on "conditions for continuation" than on motivation. If there are designs that allow participation without overexertion, in accordance with health status and life rhythm, a considerable part of the anxiety could be alleviated.

7: Which of the following are close to your purpose for social participation? (Number of valid responses: 1144)

The most common purpose for social participation was "to increase social interaction and enjoyment" (35.6%), followed by "to maintain health and physical strength" (29.7%) and "to gain learning and stimulation" (15.5%). "I haven't particularly considered a purpose" (9.6%) and "I need to earn money for living expenses and future security" (9.6%) were about the same.

The primary purpose of social participation leans more towards interaction and health maintenance than economic reasons. This suggests that social participation for seniors is positioned as an activity to enhance quality of life, rather than a substitute for working.

8: What kind of role do you think you would like to have in society from now on? (Number of valid responses: 1144)

The most common desired social role was "I want to do something useful for someone" (31.1%), followed by "just participating is enough" (28.5%), "I don't seek a specific role" (20.5%), and "I want to utilize my experience and knowledge" (19.8%).

There is a moderate level of forward-thinking, not too strong and not too weak, of "wanting to be useful if possible while participating without overexertion." Roles that allow for a sense of contribution naturally are likely to be more readily accepted than those with heavy responsibilities.

9. What form of social activity do you find easy to participate in? (Number of valid responses: 1144)

"Being able to participate only when needed" (60.8%) was overwhelmingly chosen as an easy form of social activity, followed by "short-term, small-group activities" (16.1%) and "in-person seminars and gatherings" (15.6%). "Videos and streams viewable at home" (7.6%) were a minority.

The key to ease of participation lies in flexibility rather than online availability. It is understood that forms that allow for "easy entry and exit according to one's physical condition and circumstances at the time" are strongly desired, more so than fixed participation or deep commitment.

10. What do you want to gain through social participation in the future? (Multiple answers possible) (Number of valid responses: 1144)

"Companions and connections" (55.2%) and "health" (55.2%) were tied for the highest desired outcomes from future social activities, followed by "purpose and fulfillment" (51.7%). "Sense of security" (19.3%) and "I don't particularly expect anything" (5.5%) were relatively low.

Social participation is expected not only to prevent isolation but also as a means of maintaining health and creating a sense of purpose. The fact that connections with people and health are sought at the same level indicates that social activities directly contribute to the overall quality of life.

Overall Assessment

This survey revealed that for seniors, social activities are not something only for "highly motivated individuals" but are perceived as a familiar theme that supports quality of life, health, and independence. "Continuing a healthy and independent life" (60.4%) was the highest priority for the future, and social participation appears to be considered within that framework.

Regarding how to interact with society, "I would like to participate if asked" (40.0%) and "I want to actively participate" (31.8%) ranked high, with a majority having positive intentions. However, a considerable number also responded with "I'm interested, but it's hard to take the first step alone" (18.3%), indicating a significant gap between the desire to participate and actual action.

The background to this includes burdens such as "don't want my time or plans to be restricted" (31.6%), "I'm worried about the fatigue from social interaction" (29.9%), and "I lack confidence in my physical strength or health" (24.7%). In other words, the issue is not indifference, but anxiety about whether social participation fits one's own life rhythm and physical condition.

The connections actually sought are centered around familiar relationships such as "interactions with friends and acquaintances" (77.1%) and "fellow hobbyists and learners" (46.2%), and in terms of easy participation, "being able to participate only when needed" (60.8%) was overwhelmingly preferred. There is a strong need for flexible, small-scale opportunities rather than deep responsibilities or fixed participation.

Overall, in supporting seniors' social activities, it is important to create "conditions that allow for continuation without overexertion" rather than simply encouraging participation itself. How to design opportunities that provide connections, purpose, and a sense of security while considering health and life rhythm will be a major key going forward.

In addition to this report, we also publish senior survey reports on various other themes. We approach the "modern senior image" from a wide range of perspectives, including health, disaster prevention, and consumption trends.

Please view them from the button below.

Past Survey Reports Here

About Cosmolab

Cosmolab provides a full range of marketing services specializing in seniors.

We support companies' marketing activities through various research methods such as advertising, questionnaire surveys, interviews, and home-use tests, primarily targeting approximately 300,000 senior members aged 60 and over.

Free Consultation for Senior Marketing Here

Survey Overview

◾️ Survey Method: Online research ◾️ Survey Region: Nationwide ◾️ Target Audience: "Cosmolab" questionnaire monitors ◾️ Total Responses: 1144 ◾️ Survey Period: February 18, 2026

Regarding Data Usage

The copyright of this report is held by Cosmo Health Co., Ltd.

When quoting or reprinting survey data, please clearly state the source as "Researched by Cosmo Health Co., Ltd."

And please include the following link as the citation source:

https://cosmolab.jp/report/social_2602/

Additionally, please contact the public relations representative. https://cosmolab.jp/contact

Company Profile

◾ Company Name: Cosmo Health Co., Ltd. ◾ Representative: President and CEO Takashi Kozuka ◾ Headquarters: 1-12-9 Shimbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 10F ◾ Established: July 1, 1984 ◾ Capital: 100 million yen ◾ URL: https://www.cosmohealth.co.jp/

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  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: アンケートSurvey