Today's Close-Up S2021E25 - Social Prescribing: Tackling Isolation in the COVID Era

Japan's elderly population faces a second threat from the coronavirus. In many cases, isolation is weakening their physical and cognitive functions, raising the risk of frailty and depression. Doctors are trying to tackle this scourge with an approach called social prescribing. The aim is not merely to use medicines, but to treat the underlying problems by helping patients reconnect with the world around them. We ask some experts how they are using social prescribing to break down barriers and build communities.

Guests: Nitta Kunio (Chair, Japan Home Health Care Alliance)