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Load-Lightening Kicks

SHM Shoes Heals the Joints of the Elderly While They Walk

— September 22, 2011 — Fashion
With Japan as the largest elderly demographic in the world, it's no surprise that a Japanese company is responsible for the innovation of these new SHM Shoes.

The 65+ age category in Nippon accounts for approximately 24% of the entire country, making operations like knee and hip transplants exorbitantly common. The idea thus fermented: lighten the load on the taxpayer by lightening the load on the elderly. The design of the SHM Shoes work by distributing the weight burden away from sensitive joints like the exterior knee, inner thigh and the heel.

Still more intriguing, the SHM Shoes are available at interactive kiosks located in Tokyo subway stations. A touchscreen guides senior citizens through a Q&A that eventually determines the "age" of their knee, often times leading to a purchase on the spot.
Trend Themes
1. Elderly Joint Health - There is an opportunity for companies to design products and services that improve joint health for the elderly, addressing the needs of an aging population.
2. Personalized Healthcare - Interactive kiosks and personalized questionnaires present an opportunity for companies to develop more personalized healthcare solutions that cater to specific needs.
3. Weight-distributing Footwear - The development of footwear with innovative weight-distributing designs has the potential to improve joint health and reduce healthcare costs for governments and individuals.
Industry Implications
1. Footwear - Companies in the footwear industry can develop new and innovative products that address specific healthcare needs and help improve the quality of life for the elderly population.
2. Healthcare - There is an opportunity in the healthcare industry to develop more personalized solutions that cater to specific healthcare needs and address the needs of an aging population.
3. Retail - Interactive kiosks and personalized health questionnaires present an opportunity for companies in the retail industry to provide more personalized and tailored solutions to customers.
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