As Asia experiences rapid population aging, academic and research institutions in Taiwan and Japan continue to deepen their collaboration in search of innovative solutions for aging societies. The 9th Taiwan-Japan International Symposium on Geriatric Medicine was held on April 10, 2024, in Nagoya, Japan, for a two-day event. It was co-hosted by Taiwan’s National Health Research Institutes (NHRI), National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University (NYCU), Taipei Veterans General Hospital (TVGH), Japan’s National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology (NCGG), and Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG). The symposium brought together over 40 leading experts and scholars from both countries to engage in in-depth discussions on sarcopenia and frailty diagnosis, neuroscience innovations, dementia care and mental well-being, digital health, and more, resulting in fruitful exchanges and outcomes.
The symposium was co-chaired by NHRI President Dr. Hui-Kang Sytwu, NYCU President Dr. Chi-Hung Lin, TVGH Deputy Superintendent Dr. Shu-Chun Wang, NCGG President Dr. Hidenori Arai, and TMIG Director Dr. Masahiro Akishita. Their joint presence symbolized a decade of solid research partnership between Taiwan and Japan. Since 2015, the two sides have established a collaborative platform through the “Center for Geriatrics and Health Integration.” From 2022 onward, the partnership has expanded to include regional research institutions, jointly promoting policies for holistic health and longevity.
During the symposium, numerous scholars presented their latest research findings. Dr. Liang-Kung Chen, Chair of the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia and Superintendent of Taipei Municipal Gan-Dau Hospital, delivered an update on the “2025 Asian Sarcopenia Diagnostic Consensus.” He emphasized that generational cohort studies in Taiwan and Japan reveal significant ethnic differences in muscle aging and risk factors, underscoring the importance of cross-national data integration and comparative research. Professor Fei-Yuan Xiao of National Taiwan University further enriched the discussion by analyzing trends in muscle strength across cohorts from Taiwan, the UK, and the US, offering global insight into population differences.
In the area of nutritional intervention, Dr. Ching-Hui Lo, Deputy Superintendent of Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, presented the potential of whole-food plant-based diets in promoting muscle health. NHRI Associate Investigator Dr. Hsueh-Ting Chiu shared the non-pharmacological benefits of vegan diets, MyPlate dietary models, and amla (Indian gooseberry) intake for people with hyperuricemia. Additionally, Japanese researcher Naoki Ito highlighted the crucial mediating roles of NAD+ metabolism, lactic acid, and calcium ion signaling in healthy aging, providing promising directions for future precision medicine.
Beyond physical health, the symposium also addressed the psychosocial and behavioral care of people with dementia. NHRI Assistant Researcher Dr. Chia-Ming Yen explored caregiver coping strategies, emphasizing the need for support systems and professional training to enhance the quality of care and family well-being.
In his remarks, NYCU President Dr. Chi-Hung Lin highlighted that the merger of Yang Ming University and Chiao Tung University has brought artificial intelligence, data science, and biomedical engineering into aging research, significantly enhancing the university’s research depth and international competitiveness. He noted that Taiwan and Japan co-publish more than 20 scientific papers annually, with many works recognized by leading international academic communities.
The symposium also emphasized the societal and policy implications of aging research. Dr. Liang-Kung Chen cited Japan’s use of ESG strategies to promote the “KENKO Investment in Health (KIH)” initiative, which combines corporate and government efforts to prevent disability and dementia, maintain workforce capacity, and support national productivity—a valuable reference for Taiwan’s policy development.
Through vibrant exchanges, Taiwan and Japan not only showcased the achievements of their decade-long partnership but also shared visions for healthy aging strategies grounded in both scientific evidence and cultural context. The 10th Taiwan-Japan International Symposium on Geriatric Medicine is scheduled to be hosted by Taipei Veterans General Hospital in 2025, where further innovations and international collaborations are expected to be unveiled.
The above content is excerpted from reports by United Daily News / Reporter Shu-Jen Lee and Yahoo News Taiwan / Reporter Hsi-Yao Fu. For the original articles, please refer to:
https://udn.com/news/story/7270/8665581#
