[Locomotive syndrome].

In Japan one of the major reasons the elderly need nursing care is disorders of the locomotive organs, which can make it difficult for a person to walk. People aged 65 and over now account for 23% of the population and by 2055 this figure will reach 41%. This situation will have great impact on the country's social systems. Japanese Orthopaedic Association (JOA) has coined the term "locomotive syndrome" to bring attention to the importance of locomotive organs. JOA developed a simple questionnaire to self-assess an individual's locomotive ability and easily practicable home exercises involving standing on one leg and half-squatting. This new concept has stimulated the awareness of society and shown ways to avoid possible disorders later in life.