Nutritional management system for promoting longevity among the elderly and revitalizing shopping districts

Abstract

This system provides advanced vital sign management services for the elderly, along with nutritional and food management, to improve their health, enhance their quality of life, and provide a planned and continuous nutritional management system necessary for extending their healthy lifespan. [Solution] The nutrition management system of this invention comprises a data server 22 that stores health status information D3, including vital signs and other health information of elderly people, acquired at elderly support facilities in shopping districts, and a communication unit 24 that communicates with a terminal 40 connected to the data server 22 via a public communication line 30. The data server 22 stores nutrition management information and / or food management information based on the health status information D3 and information from elderly people obtained via the public communication line. When an elderly person sends a request to the communication unit 24 for information to be provided in order to perform nutrition management, the data server 22 performs a process to provide the information to the terminal 40 from the information stored in the data server 22.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system for providing advanced vital sign management services to the elderly, while performing nutritional management and food management, improving the health status of the elderly, and performing nutritional management necessary for planned and continuous extension of healthy life expectancy to obtain QOL.

Background Art

[0002] When the elderly become ill or in poor health, they can go to the hospital for treatment. When they do not understand the prescription of drugs such as multiple drugs, they can solve it by asking the pharmacist at the pharmacy. When it comes to where and to whom to consult and ask questions about physical strength building for preventing illness and nutritional balance and food intake for physical strength recovery, it can be understood by asking a dietitian.

[0003]

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] However, it is not known where the dietitian is and how to contact and consult, and nutritional management cannot be received accurately and in a timely manner. The infrastructure for healthy longevity has not been constructed.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of such problems, and the main object is to provide a system for providing advanced vital sign management services to the elderly, while performing nutritional management and food management, improving the health status of the elderly, and performing nutritional management necessary for planned and continuous extension of healthy life expectancy to obtain QOL.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0006] To achieve the above objective, the nutrition management system described in claim 1 comprises a data server that stores health status information, including vital signs, of elderly persons obtained at an elderly support facility in a shopping district, and a communication unit that communicates with a terminal connected to the data server via a public communication line. The system stores nutrition management information and / or food management information based on the health status information and information from the elderly persons obtained via the public communication line in the data server, and when the elderly person sends a request for information to be provided to the communication unit for performing nutrition management, the system performs a process of providing the information to the terminal from the information stored in the data server.

[0007] Furthermore, the nutrition management system according to claim 2 is characterized in that the nutrition management information and / or food management information includes information based on nutrition management and / or food management performed by a dietitian on an elderly person.

[0008] Furthermore, the nutrition management system according to claim 3 is characterized in that the processing unit stores medical information relating to medical procedures performed on the elderly person at a medical institution in the data server when the medical information is transmitted from the terminal via the communication unit. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] The nutrition management system described in claim 1 includes a data server that stores health status information, including vital signs, of elderly people obtained at elderly support facilities in shopping districts, and a communication unit that communicates with a terminal connected to the data server via a public communication line. The data server stores nutrition management information and / or food management information based on health status information and information from elderly people obtained via the public communication line. When an elderly person sends a request to the communication unit for information to be provided for nutrition management, the system performs processing to provide the information to the terminal from the information stored in the data server. As a result, vital signs of elderly people can be obtained at elderly support facilities in shopping districts, contributing to the revitalization of shopping districts, enabling the effective use of shopping districts that have recently seen an increase in vacant stores, and allowing for timely and accurate nutrition management of the elderly. Furthermore, by establishing this system as a lifeline, vulnerable people, especially the elderly, can significantly extend their healthy lifespan.

[0010] Furthermore, according to the nutrition management system described in claim 2, the nutrition management information and / or food management information includes information based on nutrition management and / or food management implemented by a dietitian for the elderly, making it possible to achieve more accurate nutrition management and food management that is tailored to the symptoms of the elderly.

[0011] Furthermore, according to the nutrition management system described in claim 3, when medical information relating to medical procedures performed on elderly persons at a medical institution is transmitted from a terminal device via a communication unit, the medical information is stored on a data server, making it possible to implement nutritional management for elderly persons that takes such medical information into consideration using this nutrition management system. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0012] [Figure 1] This is a diagram showing the configuration of Nutrition Management System 1. [Figure 2]This is an explanatory diagram illustrating the usage patterns of Nutrition Management System 1. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0013] The embodiments of this nutritional management system will be described below with reference to the attached drawings.

[0014] First, we will explain the configuration of Nutrition Management System 1, shown in Figure 1, as an example of a nutrition management system. Nutrition Management System 1 is a system that provides advanced vital sign management services to the elderly through web advertisements, etc., while simultaneously performing nutritional management and food management. It is designed to improve the health status of the elderly and provide planned and continuous nutritional management necessary for extending healthy life expectancy in order to improve their quality of life.

[0015] As a specific means of realizing this nutrition management system 1, as shown in Figure 1, it comprises a management device 11 and a terminal 40 connected to the management device 11 (data server 22, which will be described later) via a public communication line 30.

[0016] The management device 11 is a system that provides advanced vital sign management services for the elderly, as well as nutritional management and food management, which are often lacking in the elderly. Specifically, as shown in Figure 1, it is configured to include a processing unit 21, a data server 22, a display unit 23, and a communication unit 24.

[0017] The processing unit 21 executes a creation process P1 to create support information D1, which shows the profile of the person receiving support (elderly person), their health status (vital signs, etc.), the content of support (dietary content, weight gain / loss management guidance, etc., nutritional management and / or food management support), and the support schedule, in accordance with the instructions (input operations) of the supporter, such as a nutritionist or diet manager, who provides support (services) to the person receiving support (elderly person). In this case, when the processing unit 21 receives reservation information D2 transmitted from a terminal device 40 (e.g., a smartphone or personal computer) operated by the person receiving support or the supporter via the communication unit 24 during this creation process P1, it creates the support information D1 based on the reservation information D2. Alternatively, in response to a telephone consultation from the person receiving support (elderly person), the processing unit 21 executes a creation process P1 to create support information D1 in accordance with the instructions (input operations) of the supporter.

[0018] Furthermore, the processing unit 21 creates health status information D3 (information on health status and nutritional status, including vital signs) regarding the health status of elderly people obtained through elderly support programs (cognitive impairment prevention and early detection classes, elderly health and longevity exercise support classes, pet interaction and dog-walking citizen classes, etc.), stores it in the data server 22, and executes information provision processing P2 to provide the health status information D3 stored in the data server 22 in response to requests from pre-registered users. In this case, medical institutions are pre-registered as users in this nutrition management system 1.

[0019] Furthermore, when medical information D4 relating to medical procedures performed at a medical institution is transmitted from the terminal 40 via the communication unit 24, the processing unit 21 stores the medical information D4 in the data server 22, and when the communication unit 24 receives a request for medical information D4 from a terminal 40 of a pre-registered user, it executes an information provision process P3 to provide the medical information D4 to that terminal 40.

[0020] The data server 22 stores support information D1, reservation information D2, health status information D3, and medical information D4 under the control of the processing unit 21. The display unit 23 displays the support information D1 in response to the supporter's request. The communication unit 24 transmits and receives reservation information D2, health status information D3, and medical information D4 to and from an external terminal 40 connected to the communication unit 24 via the public communication line 30.

[0021] Next, we will explain how to operate Nutrition Management System 1.

[0022] In operating Nutrition Management System 1, first, an announcement for the Nutrition Balance Telephone Consultation Q&A will be made via web advertisement. This announcement may be made on the web through the Nutrition Management System 1 network, or it may be made via web advertisement independently of Nutrition Management System 1. Next, individuals who wish to improve their health (elderly people) can apply for a consultation to improve their health. This can be done by making a reservation on a PC and entering the necessary information, or by applying by telephone via the public communication line 30. Next, the nutritionist inquires about the health status of the person being supported (an elderly person) and identifies any nutritional deficiencies. Based on the nutritional findings, the nutritionist inquires in detail about the person's physical condition, muscle strength, swallowing function, digestive function, appetite, blood pressure, and other vital signs to identify any deficient nutrients. Furthermore, the nutritionist recommends foods containing those nutrients and instructs the person being supported to consume them for a certain period. After a certain period, the nutritionist inquires in detail about the person's health status and records it on the data server 22 from the terminal 40. The nutritional findings are reviewed again, and foods containing those nutrients are recommended. Daily health and nutritional status management is performed, and the records are kept in the PC's medical record and stored on the data server 22. The nutritionist also recommends the sale of food products and repeats these processes.

[0023] In addition, it is necessary to select vacant stores to be used as classrooms for supporting the elderly. In recent years, shopping streets in urban areas have seen a decline in their ability to attract customers due to various factors such as the aging of business operators, a shortage of successors, the development of large suburban stores, etc., resulting in an increase in vacant stores, and the survival of shopping streets is at risk across the country, becoming a social problem. In such a situation, it is desirable for the shopping street associations operating the shopping streets, the chambers of commerce or the chamber of commerce and industry associations to which each store in the shopping street belongs to select vacant stores suitable for the operation of the nutrition management system 1 that can balance the activation of the shopping street and the support for the elderly. In this case, as a vacant store suitable for use as a classroom for supporting the elderly, it doesn't matter whether it is in the center of the shopping street or on the outskirts, but it is preferably located in the center. As for the store area, although it depends on the number of support recipients, a scale that allows several people to exercise simultaneously is preferable. Also, there may be multiple vacant stores used as elderly support facilities. In addition, in order to provide the hospital (doctor) with the accurate health status of the patients (the elderly), it is also possible to open the following three classrooms. "Dementia Prevention and Early Detection Classroom", "Elderly Health and Longevity Exercise Support Classroom", "Citizen Classroom for Communicating with Pets". In the "Dementia Prevention and Early Detection Classroom", face-to-face guidance is provided for early detection of dementia, and medical care for local residents is implemented in cooperation with the hospital. Mild cognitive impairment MCI can sometimes prevent the progression of dementia through early detection and medication, so early detection is very useful. By introducing a part of a similar business to the hospital in the shopping street, it becomes possible to thoroughly carry out the health management and nutritional balance management of residents.

[0024] When a vacant store to be used as an elderly support facility is determined, install the equipment and supplies necessary for the elderly support facility. The equipment and supplies include the management device 11, as well as exercise equipment necessary for guiding the elderly in exercise and utensils necessary for nutritional guidance of the elderly's diet. Also, when providing meals, cooking utensils, etc. are included. It is also possible to sell foods necessary for nutritional management within the store. In addition, the communication unit 24 of the management device 11 is connected to the public communication line 30 to enable communication with the terminals 40 of the support recipients and users.

[0025] Prior to the start of the elderly support project, recruitment of support recipients (the elderly) who wish to receive elderly support is carried out. As recruitment methods, recruitment using advertising media such as flyers, websites, and SNS, as well as recruitment by chambers of commerce, industry and commerce associations, commercial and industrial conference halls, and the government can be considered. Also, the same means can be used to recruit users who wish to provide health status information D3 and medical information D4. In this case, since health status information D3 and medical information D4 contain personal information, when registering users, it is necessary to conclude a contract stating that legal regulations will be complied with when using the information.

[0026] Next, the supporter inputs the profile, health status, nutritional status, guidance content, and guidance schedule of the support recipient who had a phone consultation. At this time, the processing unit 21 of the management device 11 executes a creation process P1 to create these pieces of information as support information D1 based on the input content, and accumulates the support information D1 in the data server 22. On the other hand, the support recipient can make a reservation for facility use using the terminal 40 connected to the management device 11 via the public communication line 30. When a reservation is made, the communication unit 24 receives the reservation information D2 transmitted from the terminal 40. At this time, in the creation process P1, the processing unit 21 can also create the support information D1 based on the reservation information D2.

[0027] When the supporter is an exercise trainer, the supporter provides guidance on exercise as a health care service for the elderly to the support recipient. In this case, the supporter operates the management device 11 to instruct the display of the support information D1. At this time, the processing unit 21 reads the support information D1 from the data server 22 and displays the content of the support information D1 on the display unit 23. Next, the supporter grasps the health status, guidance content, and guidance schedule of the support recipient from the displayed content, and provides guidance on exercise to the support recipient based on them. Also, when providing guidance, the supporter observes the health status of the support recipient, operates the management device 11 to input the health status, and the processing unit 21 stores the health status information D3 regarding the health status in the data server 22.

[0028] Furthermore, when a support worker (nutritionist) provides nutritional guidance on meals as part of nutritional management to a person receiving support, the support worker operates the management device 11 to display the contents of support information D1 on the display unit 23, and provides nutritional guidance on meals to the person receiving support based on the displayed contents. Nutritional management information related to nutritional management at this time is also stored in the data server 22 as support information D1. In addition, the support worker observes the nutritional status of the person receiving support during the guidance, operates the management device 11 to input the health status from the perspective of the nutritional status, and the processing unit 21 stores health status information D3 about the health status in the data server 22.

[0029] Furthermore, when providing meals to those receiving support, the cook operates the management device 11 to display the contents of the support information D1 on the display unit 23, and prepares a meal suitable for maintaining the health of the person receiving support based on the displayed contents. In addition, food management information related to food management, which provides guidance on consuming necessary foods, is stored in the data server 22 as information included in the support information D1.

[0030] On the other hand, when a request for transmission of health status information D3 is received via the communication unit 24 from a terminal 40 of a medical institution that is a pre-registered user, the processing unit 21 executes an information provision process P2 that provides the health status information D3 stored in the data server 22.

[0031] Here, when elderly individuals who are participating in elderly support programs (such as dementia prevention and early detection classes, elderly health and longevity exercise support classes, and pet interaction and dog-walking community classes) visit medical institutions for examinations, they can receive health status information D3 as described above. This allows medical institutions to obtain a wealth of health information that would be insufficient through interviews alone, thus enabling them to provide high-quality medical care. Providing such health status information D3 can further contribute to higher quality medical care in situations where hospitalization is necessary. In short, this system makes it possible to utilize health status information D3 in a timely and appropriate manner.

[0032] Furthermore, medical institutions can transmit medical information D4 related to the medical procedures performed from the terminal 40 to the management device 11 via the communication unit 24, and in this case, the processing unit 21 stores the medical information D4 in the data server 22.

[0033] Furthermore, when the communication unit 24 receives a request for medical information D4 from a terminal 40 of an elderly care facility or another medical institution, as a pre-registered user, the processing unit 21 executes an information provision process P3 to provide the medical information D4 to the terminal 40. By providing such medical information D4 and allowing the support staff to utilize it, support activities at elderly care facilities and medical care at other medical institutions can be further enhanced.

[0034] Thus, according to this nutrition management system 1, health status information D3 regarding the health status of elderly people obtained through elderly support projects conducted using vacant stores in shopping districts is accumulated, and when a request for provision is received from a terminal device 40 of a pre-registered user, an information provision process P2 is executed to provide the health status information D3, thereby enabling both the revitalization of shopping districts and support for the elderly.

[0035] Furthermore, this nutrition management system 1 allows for strong collaboration with medical institutions by pre-registering them as users, and enables the enhancement of medical care using health status information D3 regarding the health status of the elderly obtained through elderly support projects.

[0036] The classrooms, as part of the elderly support program, will implement an "IT medical record health management" system for students, inputting a series of data and enabling a system to be established in shopping districts nationwide where doctors can instantly check students' vital signs during checkups. Furthermore, the doctor treating the student can use the health status information D3 as a reference to identify new findings. Moreover, by utilizing vacant shops in shopping districts and having shopping districts nationwide adopt the system, the nutrition management system 1 can be immediately put into practical use and become a system that immediately contributes to the physical care of the elderly.

[0037] Furthermore, this nutrition management system 1 enables more advanced support for the elderly by accumulating medical information D4 related to medical procedures performed at a medical institution in the data server 22 when the medical information D4 is transmitted from the terminal 40 via the communication unit 24. According to this nutrition management system 1, when a request for medical information D4 is received from a pre-registered user's terminal 40, an information provision process P3 is executed to provide the medical information D4. This makes it possible to utilize the medical information D4 related to medical procedures performed using health status information D3 in elderly support programs, or to utilize that medical information D4 in other medical institutions, thereby enabling even more advanced elderly support.

[0038] This nutritional management system 1 also functions as a new communication method, allowing physicians to directly instruct patients on how to manage their nutritional balance. Traditionally, doctors could recommend immediate hospitalization for patients with serious illnesses, but for patients with minor illnesses, doctors would only verbally advise them on improving their nutrition. This resulted in significant differences in patient awareness; some patients would attentively listen and take notes, while others would simply ignore the doctor's instructions. For hospitalized patients, doctors would record nutritional therapy instructions in a "food inspection log," and registered dietitians would then provide care based on those instructions.

[0039] However, for patients who did not require hospitalization (non-hospitalized patients), there was "no method of giving instructions," and only verbal communication was available. A new approach by doctors was needed for these non-hospitalized patients. Furthermore, regarding recommended intake of nutrients and amounts of nutrients that the body needs, the instructions for elderly non-hospitalized patients were left to the discretion of the patients themselves, and as a result, the elderly currently have no knowledge of nutritional components, functional effects, or recommended foods. Moreover, many cases of taste disorders in the elderly are caused by insufficient intake of nutrients and amounts. Traditionally, the role of a registered dietitian was to create a nutrition plan based on a physician's findings, with the physician's role limited to issuing the findings.

[0040] In response to this, the health information management system 1 allows physicians to provide the findings they have made on patients to nutritionists in elderly support programs (such as dementia prevention and early detection classes, elderly health and longevity exercise support classes, and pet interaction and dog-walking citizen classes) via the data server 22, and to present the nutritionists with patient (patient) information that can be used to create a nutrition plan. As a result, nutritionists in elderly support programs can strive to improve the nutritional status of students in the short, medium, and long term to promote their longevity, and provide management guidance to help them approach an ideal state of health, including advice on vital signs, dietary content, and weight gain / loss management.

[0041] Next, the business model realized by this invention will be explained with reference to Figure 2. In summary, the business model realized by this invention is a business model in which "the elderly, medical institutions, and shopping districts work together as a trinity to contribute to the revitalization of shopping districts by utilizing vacant stores in shopping districts, support for the elderly, and extending the healthy lifespan of the elderly."

[0042] As shown in Figure 2, elderly people can utilize "Senior Health and Longevity Support Classes" operated in shopping districts and vacant stores to improve their quality of life through preventative care and receive optimal support for frailty and dementia prevention (area A in Figure 2). Meanwhile, the shopping district operates health and longevity support classes in vacant stores, providing comprehensive support to the elderly and creating and accumulating health status information about the elderly obtained through this support. In addition, daily health management is managed by the class's nutritionist, and this information is stored and managed on a server via electronic medical records (area F in Figure 2).

[0043] Furthermore, medical institutions collaborating with the Senior Health and Longevity Support Classes can obtain health status information about elderly patients who visit them by searching their electronic medical records (area E in Figure 2), and also refer to data in the electronic medical records created by dietitians (area D in Figure 2), enabling them to provide high-quality medical care and super-level treatment decisions (area B in Figure 2). In addition, after diagnosing elderly patients, medical institutions and hospital doctors send their instructions to the server (area E in Figure 2), providing medical information to the Senior Health and Longevity Support Classes. The Senior Health and Longevity Support Classes can then use the provided medical information to provide more comprehensive support to the elderly. As a result, dementia prevention, frailty prevention, nutrition, exercise, and social participation can be achieved (area D in Figure 2). Thus, this business model can synergistically improve the revitalization of shopping districts, the promotion of senior health, and the enhancement of medical care at medical institutions.

[0044] Furthermore, this business model includes the applicant's proposed "Our town's shopping street is a place where people of all ages can enjoy themselves both physically and mentally, with popular shops that have a good reputation, a 'health-promoting shopping street,' a 'safe and secure exercise ground,' so let's go out and chat while strolling" (Trademark Application No. 2024-140478, registered. Trademark Registration No. 6982397), and "The shopping street will give back to local seniors for their continued patronage, wishing them 'Stay healthy forever,' opening a 'Vacant Store Health and Longevity Support Classroom' VIP Subject: Strengthening leg and waist muscles and fall prevention training through chatting walks in the shopping street VIP Subject: Strengthening the throat and preventing aspiration pneumonia through oral hygiene instruction and chewing training VIP Subject "Nutritional Balance Knowledge Acquisition for Physical Function Decline & Frailty Prevention Guidance" (Trademark Application No. 2024-140477, Trademark Registered. Trademark Registration No. 6973646), "Heartwarming Regional Revitalization & Shopping Street Promotion Double Support Appreciation Project 'Direct Delivery of Local Specialties and Delicacies to You' A Collection of Carefully Crafted and Unique Local Products from Our Town's Shopping Street!! From a Socially Good Shopping Street Friendly to the Elderly" (Trademark Application No. 2024-125328, Registered. Trademark Registration No. 6973646), "Our store prides itself on being the most elderly-friendly store in the shopping street. A health and longevity-focused shopping street certified store where you can refresh yourself with conversation and smiles" (Trademark Application No. 2024-115535, Registered. Trademark Registration No. 694493), "Our town's shopping street is 'Japan's most elderly-friendly' shopping street where you can refresh yourself with conversation and smiles. A health and longevity-focused shopping street You can engage in activities aligned with each of the contents of "Let's go out and enjoy a long and healthy life!" (Trademark application No. 2024-115534, registered. Trademark registration No. 6964469). [Explanation of Symbols]

[0045] 1. Nutritional Management System 11 Management device 21 Processing Unit 22 Data Servers 23 Display section 24 Communications Department 30 Public communication lines 40 terminals D1 Support Information D2 Reservation Information D3 Health Status Information D4 Medical Information P1 creation process P2 Information Provision Processing P3 Information Provision Processing

Claims

1. A nutrition management system comprising a data server that stores health status information, including vital signs, of elderly persons obtained at elderly support facilities in shopping districts, and a communication unit that communicates with a terminal connected to the data server via a public communication line, wherein the system stores nutrition management information and / or food management information based on the health status information and information from the elderly persons obtained via the public communication line in the data server, and when the elderly person sends a request for information to be provided to the communication unit for the purpose of performing nutrition management, the system performs a process of providing the information to the terminal from the information stored in the data server.

2. The nutrition management system according to claim 1, wherein the nutrition management information and / or food management information includes information based on nutrition management and / or food management performed by a dietitian on an elderly person.

3. The nutrition management system according to claim 1, wherein the processing unit stores medical information relating to medical procedures performed on the elderly person at a medical institution in the data server when the medical information is transmitted from the terminal via the communication unit.

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