Significance of Community Involvement Experiences of Elderly Men Living Alone in Mountainous Rural Areas in Japan

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  • 中山間農村地域のひとり暮らし男性高齢者と地域との関係性における経験の意味
  • ナカヤマ カン ノウソン チイキ ノ ヒトリ クラシ ダンセイ コウレイシャ ト チイキ ト ノ カンケイセイ ニ オケル ケイケン ノ イミ

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<p>Aim: The purpose of this qualitative study was to describe the significance of community involvement of elderly men living alone in mountainous rural areas in Japan, as well as to obtain suggestions for community development in order to prevent social isolation of elderly men in mountainous rural communities.</p><p>Method: The study was designed as a qualitative descriptive approach. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with six elderly men living alone, who were the primary informants（PI）, and nine health and welfare professionals, who were the key informants（KI）in A city in Akita Prefecture, Japan. This study was affiliated with a research institution and informed consent was obtained from the participants.</p><p>Results: The study identified five categories that described the significance of involvement with the community of elderly men living alone in mountainous rural areas: “Male tendency produced in the community,” “Grounds for drawing boundaries from others,” “Determination to live the remainder of one’s lifetime,” “Heritage of reducing territorial bonding and blood relatives,” and “Acceptance of irresistible nature and declining village.”</p><p>Discussion: For the development of mountainous rural communities, they as individuals are not only receivers but also leaders of community development; thus, it is necessary to create opportunities for their participation in the community. Also, it is necessary to promote the transformation of the sense of values and the culture of their families, neighborhood, village, and even administration, in order to prevent social isolation of the entire mountainous rural community.</p>

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