2013 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

Mental strength, like adaptability, vitality and sustaining among Elderly People Living Alone in Marginal Communities

Research Project

Project/Area Number	24792578
Research Category	Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
Allocation Type	Multi-year Fund
Research Field	Community health/Gerontological nurisng
Research Institution	Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine
Principal Investigator	MURAKAMI Kaeko 京都府立医科大学, 医学部, 助教 (30584867)
Project Period (FY)	2012-04-01 – 2014-03-31
Keywords	限界集落 / 独居高齢者 / 心理的な強さ / コミュニティ
Research Abstract	The purpose of this research is to investigate the mental strength of elderly people living alone in marginal communities. The subjects of the study consisted of five elderly people living alone in marginal communities. The study was conducted in the form of a semi-structured interview survey. As a result, six core categories were found that related to Mental strength:adaptability as developed throughout their life, the balance between independence and dependence, how they view their health, relationships within the community, a hometown that they would like to support and hand down to the next generation and conflicts between their wish to live in their communities as long as they live and their conditions. These factors were formed within a process that is related to the community. Mental strength is essential for continuing to live in marginal communities. In addition, it was also suggested to be a strength for these subjects as they lead their lives.