Myo Nyein Aung1, Yuka Koyanagi2, Satomi Ueno3, Sariyamon Tiraphat4, Motoyuki Yuasa5. 1. Advanced Research Institute for Health Sciences and Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan. 2. Department of Judo Therapy, Faculty of Health Sciences, Tokyo Ariake University of Medical and Health Sciences, Japan. 3. Department of Nursing, Faculty of Nursing, Seisen Jogakuin College, Nagano, Japan. 4. ASEAN Institute for Health Development, Mahidol University, Nakhon Pathom, Thailand. 5. Department of Public Health, Graduate School of Medicine and Faculty of International Liberal Arts, Juntendo University, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: While governments are building age-friendly environments, community-based social innovation (CBSI) provides opportunities for older community residents to interact. Common CBSIs in Japan are in the form of group exercise activities or social-cultural activities, such as reading, writing, poetry, chorus, calligraphy, card game, knitting, planting trees, and cooking. In this study, an age-friendly environment in Japan was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively through the perceptions of community residents and their interaction with the environment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 243 participants and multiple in-depth interviews were carried out. A quantitative study applied the World Health Organization (WHO) framework of 20 age-friendly environmental factors with analysis applying a structural equation model. A qualitative study applied focus group meetings and in-depth interviews to conduct a thematic analysis of Japanese community residents' activities according to the WHO scope of CBSI for healthy aging. RESULTS: This age-friendly environment in Japan has provided pathways for the older people to sustain their social network, which promotes civic participation and engagement in peer group activities leading to active aging. CBSIs are the factors that lead to an age-friendly environment resulting in a sustainable quality of life. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: It is important to sustain CBSIs in the era of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic as those are the paths leading to healthy aging communities and quality of older residents' life. The lessons learned about how physical environment and social participation result in healthy, active quality of life for older adults in Japan may be applicable to other contexts around the world.
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: While governments are building age-friendly environments, community-based social innovation (CBSI) provides opportunities for older community residents to interact. Common CBSIs in Japan are in the form of group exercise activities or social-cultural activities, such as reading, writing, poetry, chorus, calligraphy, card game, knitting, planting trees, and cooking. In this study, an age-friendly environment in Japan was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively through the perceptions of community residents and their interaction with the environment. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of 243 participants and multiple in-depth interviews were carried out. A quantitative study applied the World Health Organization (WHO) framework of 20 age-friendly environmental factors with analysis applying a structural equation model. A qualitative study applied focus group meetings and in-depth interviews to conduct a thematic analysis of Japanese community residents' activities according to the WHO scope of CBSI for healthy aging. RESULTS: This age-friendly environment in Japan has provided pathways for the older people to sustain their social network, which promotes civic participation and engagement in peer group activities leading to active aging. CBSIs are the factors that lead to an age-friendly environment resulting in a sustainable quality of life. DISCUSSION AND IMPLICATIONS: It is important to sustain CBSIs in the era of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic as those are the paths leading to healthy aging communities and quality of older residents' life. The lessons learned about how physical environment and social participation result in healthy, active quality of life for older adults in Japan may be applicable to other contexts around the world.