Declining Birthrate & Aging Population
In order to live in an era of 100-year lifespans, SMBC Group provides financial products and services, as well as provides a wide range of support so that our customers can lead a fulfilling and enjoyable life. we are working on group-based initiatives such as the “SMBC Elder Program” and other life shift services, as well as building digital financial infrastructure like “Olive”. In financial education, we have expanded our activities from holding seminars to releasing educational games and collaborating on certification exams.
Major Initiatives
Policy recommendation
Public policy for a super-aging society
The year 2025, when baby boomers reach the age of 75, is fast approaching. Japan continues to see its population shrink and the percentage of elderly people increase. The government is establishing an integrated community care system so that elderly people can live out their lives in their familiar communities and extend their lifespans so that all citizens can stay healthy throughout their lives.
To achieve these goals, a complex structure is needed that involves not only social security systems such as healthcare and long-term care, but also health promotion and disease prevention, working style and employment systems, and social infrastructure such as housing and transport.
With the theme of "public policy for a super-aging society," the Japan Research Institute harnesses the knowledge of both public researchers and consultants on social security, long-term care and businesses targeting senior citizens, medicine and healthcare, urban planning, etc., to promote recommendations and implementation of new policies and business.
Employee education
SMBC works to create branches that can be visited with confidence by seniors and people with disabilities by incorporating universal design principles and conducting a variety of other initiatives. SMBC provides universal etiquette training to employees to support our customers. Since fiscal 2014, we have also engaged in full-scale training of cognitive impairment supporters to prepare for the aging of society. As of March 31, 2023, there are approximately 9,900 specialized staff members to assist people with cognitive impairment, who are assigned mostly at SMBC branches.
Universal Design (Equipment Response)
Improvement of Reception Number Display Devices (EQ displays)
We received feedback that reception number display devices were difficult to read, so we installed EQ display devices that incorporate universal design principles for color, making them easier to read for seniors and people with visual impairments.