A Study of Online Community Mechanism to Alleviate Social Isolation and Mental Loneliness Among Elderly Individuals Living Alone

2023 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 20K13787
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Early-Career Scientists
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Review Section: Basic Section 08020:Social welfare-related
• Research Institution: Ryukoku University (2022-2023); Muroran Institute of Technology (2020-2021)
• Principal Investigator: Takahara Madoka 龍谷大学, 先端理工学部, 助教 (40823000)
• Project Period (FY): 2020-04-01 – 2024-03-31
• Keywords: 独居高齢者 / 支援

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The purpose of this proposal is to alleviate the mental loneliness and social isolation of elderly individuals living alone. Specifically, the research focused on the following three tasks. First, a survey was conducted to understand the health conditions and interpersonal relationships of elderly individuals living alone. Next, the study examined the desired interpersonal distance for these individuals. Finally, based on these findings, the goal was to develop an appropriate platform (mechanism). However, due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the fieldwork and surveys necessary for implementing the proposal were challenging. Therefore, as the first step of this research, we conducted surveys on the health conditions and interpersonal relationships of elderly individuals living alone, as well as their desired interpersonal distance and community support.

Free Research Field

社会情報学

Academic Significance and Societal Importance of the Research Achievements

本研究は、独居高齢者の健康状態と対人関係の具体的な実態を明らかにし、それに基づいた支援策の必要性を示した。これにより、独居高齢者の生活の質を向上させ、社会的孤立や精神的孤独感を軽減するための具体的な施策を提案することが可能となる。また、学術的にも新たな知見や理論的枠組みの構築に寄与することが期待される。
本研究の成果は、具体的なデータに基づいた介入方法の開発や評価に役立つ。エビデンスに基づいた支援策の提案とその効果検証を行うための基盤となり、独居高齢者に対する支援の実効性を高めることが期待される。