Kamal Ghorui
Japan’s rapidly ageing population is forcing a rethink of how the country supports its elderly, with some care providers turning to an unexpected workforce including bodybuilders and combat sports athletes. Companies such as Visionary have begun recruiting physically strong men to help with demanding caregiving tasks such as lifting, mobility support and daily assistance. The approach reflects a growing labour shortage in the care sector as demand rises alongside the ageing population. It also aims to make caregiving more appealing to younger workers by reframing it as a more active and physically engaging profession while supporting existing staff.
Japan turns to bodybuilders for elderly care
Japan has one of the oldest populations in the world, with nearly a third of its people aged 65 or older. This demographic shift is placing sustained pressure on healthcare and long-term care systems. The country is expected to require millions of caregivers in the coming decades, with a significant shortfall likely if current trends continue, especially in physically demanding roles that are harder to fill.Care work involves physically intensive tasks such as lifting patients, assisting with movement and preventing falls. Recruiting bodybuilders and athletes provides a practical solution, as their strength and conditioning help reduce strain during patient handling and lower the risk of workplace injuries. This approach also helps present caregiving as a more active profession, potentially attracting candidates who may not have previously considered the field.
The role of MMA fighters and wrestlers
While the clearest examples involve bodybuilders, the broader narrative includes athletes from mixed martial arts and wrestling. These individuals bring discipline, endurance and situational awareness that can be useful in caregiving environments. However, their involvement remains limited and is not yet a widespread industry standard, with most recruitment focused on physically fit individuals rather than specific sporting backgrounds.
Athletes are not replacing trained care workers but are being integrated into teams to support physically demanding tasks. They work alongside qualified professionals, while proper training in caregiving practices, communication and patient safety remains essential. Physical strength alone is not sufficient for the role.Japan’s response to its care shortage also includes investment in assistive technologies such as lifting aids, robotics and AI systems designed to support caregivers. Although some innovations remain experimental, these efforts reflect a broader strategy to combine human labour with technological support to sustain the care system.
What this means for the future of care
The recruitment of physically trained individuals highlights how Japan is experimenting with unconventional solutions to a structural demographic challenge. While this approach alone will not resolve workforce shortages, it signals a shift toward more flexible hiring strategies that could influence how other ageing societies address similar pressures.
