More than 25% of the Japanese population is over the age of 65. With a low birthrate and increasing life expectancy, that figure is only set to increase. Japan is renowned for its respectful and traditionally regimented attitudes towards seniors, but what does it really mean to be ageing now, in the world’s oldest population?

A little old lady sits in an armchair in the corner of the room, smiling affectionately as a group of small children play nearby. It sounds like the family room of a typical Japanese home, but this is one of a growing number of unique care facilities that accept the old and the young alike.

While the immediate future is unlikely to yield AI pseudo-human carers, the notion of robots aiding the elderly is closer than ever. All over the world – especially in Japan, where more than a quarter of the population is over 65 – technology and healthcare are starting to overlap.

Across the world, populations are ageing rapidly. But in Japan – where more than a quarter of the population is over 65 – the opportunities to serve this demographic exclusively are sizeable. D Free is a new wearable device that’s giving Japanese seniors their dignity back.