Aging & Society: Eighth Interdisciplinary Conference

Abstract

Various studies have been conducted to investigate the mechanism of health and well-being worldwide. In this context, “Vitamin M” known as folic acid has been noted for unlocking the potential to decrease elderly diseases such as alzheimer and dementia, as well as strokes. This paper investigates the social dynamics of cultural resources, by means of folic acid and folate fortified food. It is notable that while recommended daily intake for folate is 400μg, only 240μg have been recommended in Japan. Based on this deficiency, I introduce two case studies on activities utilizing folic acid in Japan. One is “Sakado Folate Project,” which is a pioneering model to raise public concerns to healthcare through folate. Since its implementation in 2006, the project won The Municipal Awards for Excellence in Health and Longevity by Saitama prefecture in 2016. The second case is “Sakai Folate Supplement Project,” implemented by Sakai city with the collaboration of DHC corporation. As a top manufacture supplying cosmetics and pharmaceuticals in Japan, DHC has been strategically providing Folate supplements. In conclusion, I demonstrate how folate deficiency in Japan has triggered sociocultural approaches to manage elderly diseases. Moreover, I suggest policy recommendations to enhance quality of life from two cases on modus operandi and monozukuri of Vitamin M. Thus, this paper can contribute to interdisciplinary approaches by exploring the mechanisms of healthcare in an aging society.