June 16, 2024
Our final evening at the Tenseien Hotel in the Fuji-Hakone-Izu Park was a sensory delight, etching a lasting memory. The dinner buffet was a culinary odyssey, featuring a diverse range of dishes, from traditional sushi to comforting hamburgers and more. The experience of donning the Yukata, a vibrant traditional Japanese robe, added a playful and unifying element to the evening.
Today, in Hakone, we witnessed a powerful display of resilience. Despite the rainy weather, an Older Lady, perhaps in her late 80s or early 90s, was diligently sweeping the streets. Her determination and activity at such an age were truly inspiring. As we learn how Japan is dealing with her super-aging society, including the centenarians, inviting older adults back to the workforce in various capacities is one way to keep them active and well. This beautiful lady has taught us lessons beyond those taught in auditoria. She stood as another testament to the limitless human potential, particularly at an older age.
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We walked between tall trees, beautiful gardens, shrines, temples, the pirate ship, and other landmarks, such as the old inspection facility during the Edo Period (1603-1868). This facility was built to help keep the city of Edo safe, serving as a checkpoint for all parts of Japan. It is the only checkpoint of that period that has been restored to its original state, a silent witness to the meticulous preservation of Japan’s history. Our watches said we walked 8.35 miles and 16,538 steps, yet another day tending to our own ME-BYO – an important Japanese term that we learned about in the super-aging Japan.
Our day in Hakone was a masterclass in learning how good food, a pristine environment, love and respect for older adults, and self-care are pivotal in supporting a super-aging society. A valuable tip for future Hakone visitors is to invest in the 'free pass'; it's a game-changer. With the pass, we didn't have to worry about constantly topping up at various checkpoints, bus, and train stations, allowing us to focus on what truly mattered. Before we knew it, it was time to reconvene at the hotel for our daily
Daniel Z. Mansour, PharmD, AGSF, BCGP, FASCP
MS Palliative Care Student
UMB Graduate School
Photo: The old checkpoint of Edo (Old name for Tokyo)