Aromatic Effectiveness for the Elderly at Day Care Service Center: Toward Regional Vitalization Using the Wastes

Objective of study was to find out a beneficially recycling of the thinned and chopped woods
massively produced in mountainous regions Japan. Essential oil extraction was one of the effective
approaches to overcome its issues. Materials from Crytomeric japonia, Lindera umbellata, Thujopsis
dolabrata and Anise magnolia chips was applied for oil extraction by steam distillation and was
chemically analyzed by Gas Chromatography. Preclinical studies of the essential oil were done with a
support of the elderly commuting to the Day Care Service Center. Test room was created with the
forest pictures, bird singing and water flowing sound as back ground music. Essential oil-flavored test
was done to know the elderly preference using the questionnaire test.
The most favorite flavor by the elderly was Lindera umbellata due to make them refreshing. But they
selected Thujopsis dolabrata flavor instead of Lindera umbellata, when changing the napkin. It implies
that “Different flavor for Different situation”. Based on these results the flavored-napkin with antibacteria
potency is a potential candidate to develop for the aged along with well-being and amenity
life.