Mr. Nuttawuth Mekritthikrai, a Ph.D. candidate in the Doctor of Philosophy Program in Rehabilitation and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Thammasat University, participated in an academic and research study visit at Osaka Metropolitan University (大阪公立大学), Morinomiya Campus (森之宮キャンパス), and affiliated healthcare and rehabilitation institutions in Osaka, Japan 
from 1–13 June 2026.
This study visit focused on healthy aging, rehabilitation sciences, and community-based healthcare for older adults. As one of the world’s leading super-aged societies, Japan has developed innovative healthcare and rehabilitation systems that promote active aging, independence, and quality of life among older populations. During the visit, Mr. Mekritthikrai explored various approaches to frailty prevention, sarcopenia management, locomotive syndrome screening, physical performance assessment, and community-based integrated care systems designed to support healthy and independent living among older adults.
At Osaka Metropolitan University (大阪公立大学), a leading public research university in Japan, he visited the Sports Physical Therapy Laboratory and Basic Research Laboratory to observe ongoing research in rehabilitation sciences, exercise physiology, movement analysis, aging research, and health promotion. The visit also provided valuable opportunities to exchange knowledge and research perspectives with faculty members, researchers, and students, fostering academic collaboration and international networking.
In addition, he visited Osaka Metropolitan University Hospital (大阪公立大学医学部附属病院), one of the major tertiary-care teaching hospitals in the Kansai region. During the visit, he observed multidisciplinary healthcare services, acute care rehabilitation practices, and early rehabilitation programs designed to improve functional recovery and patient outcomes. The experience provided valuable insights into the integration of rehabilitation services within Japan’s advanced healthcare system.
Furthermore, he attended a study visit at Aijinkai Rehabilitation Hospital (愛仁会リハビリテーション病院), a specialized rehabilitation hospital recognized for its comprehensive rehabilitation services. The visit highlighted evidence-based rehabilitation programs for patients with stroke, orthopedic conditions, age-related mobility limitations, and post-acute care needs. Particular attention was given to interdisciplinary rehabilitation approaches, intensive therapy programs, and discharge planning processes aimed at facilitating successful reintegration into community life.
As part of the community health and aging component of the program, he visited the Smart Ageing City and Geriatric Apartment Showroom, which showcase innovative housing and urban design concepts developed to support older adults under the principle of “Aging in Place.” These initiatives emphasize age-friendly environments, fall prevention strategies, universal design, and the integration of technology to enhance safety, independence, and quality of life among older adults.
The program also included visits to ONEMORE Morinomiya, a community-based support center providing vocational, mental health, and social support services, as well as the Well-being Co-Creation Research Center, which serves as a hub for research and innovation in healthy aging and community well-being. Through these visits, he gained insights into community screening programs, functional assessments, frailty prevention initiatives, and strategies that encourage social participation and active engagement among older adults.
Another highlight of the program was participation in the Adaptive Sports Experience alongside Osaka Metropolitan University students. This activity provided an opportunity to learn about adaptive sports, inclusive physical activity, and the role of sports and exercise in promoting participation, health, and social inclusion among individuals with disabilities and functional limitations.
The study visit was closely aligned with Mr. Mekritthikrai’s doctoral research, which focuses on sarcopenia, locomotive syndrome, physical performance, mental health, and exercise interventions among community-dwelling older adults. The knowledge and experience gained from Japan’s advanced healthcare, rehabilitation, and community support systems will contribute significantly to the development of future research projects and evidence-based interventions for older adults in Thailand.
Beyond academic knowledge and professional experience, this study visit also strengthened international academic collaboration between Thammasat University and Osaka Metropolitan University. The experience is expected to support future research partnerships, student and researcher exchanges, and the advancement of rehabilitation sciences, healthy aging research, and community-based healthcare at both national and international levels.