An empirical study of social activities which contribute to improve mental health of older people

2016 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 24730496
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Social welfare and social work studies
• Research Institution: Kansai University of International Studies
• Principal Investigator: Abe Koji 関西国際大学, 人間科学部, 教授 (90416181)
• Project Period (FY): 2012-04-01 – 2017-03-31
• Keywords: 高齢者 / メンタルヘルス / 社会的活動 / 抑うつ

Outline of Final Research Achievements

Depression and related health problems were major reasons for suicide among older adults. Some research evidence showed that characteristic social activities in the local area had important roles for maintaining the mental health among older residents. In this study, we aim to examine the relationships among social engagement (social activities) and mental health. Data were collected from Gifu prefecture and Hyogo prefecture.The participants were asked about demographic information, social engagement, and mental health (Geriatric depression scale.) Results indicated that a social activity in Gifu prefecture (Tanomoshi-ko) had a significant effect on mental health. In addition, we found significant effects of social trust and participating in local events on mental health of older adults in Hyogo prefecture.

Free Research Field

高齢者心理学