Psychological Conflict Among Men Aged 80 Years or Older Living Alone in Depopulated Communities in Japan

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  • 消滅危惧集落で生きる一人暮らし男性後期高齢者の心理的葛藤

Abstract

The aim of this study was to clarify the nature of psychological conflict among men aged 80 years or older who were living alone in eight depopulated municipalities designated by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 elderly men who were living alone. Text-mining analysis revealed that elderly men living alone in depopulated villages were feeling lonely because they [did not have anyone to talk to] but did not want to leave their homes. They were aware of [progressive decline in physical functions] after the age of 80 and thought that [it would be the end if no longer being able to walk]. Because they needed to drive a car in order to continue living their lives, they were [conflicted about continuing to drive] and [anxious that they would not be able to go shopping] if they were to stop driving. The elderly men living in depopulated villages had developed human relationships and attachments to their hometowns, and they wanted to continue living in the homes they were born and raised in until the end of their lives. At the same time, they were struggling with conflicts related to loneliness caused by the weakening of human relationships, feelings of self-deficiency due to physical decline, and a sense of crisis stemming from the decline of the community. On the other hand, one factor supporting them was their motivation to protect the community. These findings suggest the need for a community care system that helps older people feel a sense of solidarity with, and a sense of contribution to, the community.

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