Aeon Retail will open "Aeon Smile Hamamatsu Aoi," a day service specializing in preventive care and rehabilitation, on Wednesday, July 1st, within the commercial facility "Aeon Town Hamamatsu Aoi" (Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture). This marks Aeon Smile's first store in Shizuoka Prefecture and its 26th nationwide. ◆ Day Service Business Operated by Aeon Retail Aeon Smile is a day service business specializing in preventive care and rehabilitation developed by Aeon Retail. Leveraging the strengths of commercial facilities, services linked to daily life such as "shopping rehabilitation" and "health events" are provided, with specialists like physical therapists and occupational therapists involved in offering professional preventive care and rehabilitation support. ◆ "Shopping Rehabilitation" and "Health Events" Leveraging the Strengths of Commercial Facilities In stores certified by local governments, they serve as "community gathering places" where people can gather and connect through "shopping rehabilitation," where "shopping" for products within the store is part of the rehabilitation process*1, and "health events" that foster interaction with local residents. Users have reported that these initiatives provide an opportunity to go out, leading to a change of pace and social connection. ◆ Background of Opening in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka Prefecture Hamamatsu City, while having the largest population in the prefecture with a mix of urban and mountainous areas, also has a growing population aged 65 and over, continuing to be the largest in the prefecture*2. Furthermore, due to a high dependence on automobiles and the fact that approximately 50% of those certified as needing long-term care or support are in the mild category*3, early preventive care and prevention of worsening conditions are crucial. ◆ Vision for Aeon Smile With the aim of "supporting the bright smiles of our local communities through attentive, high-quality rehabilitation day services," we are p