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The effect of intergenerational programs on the mental health of elderly adults
- Authors:
- MURAYAMA Yoh, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 19(4), 2015, pp.306-314.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: This study examines the effect of an intergenerational program on elderly persons’ symptoms of depressive mood and in improving their sense of coherence, which is an element for successful coping with stressors. Method: This study evaluated an intervention research project (Research of Productivity by Intergenerational Sympathy [REPRINTS]), in which volunteers >65 years old read picture books to children in a school setting. The intervention group (REPRINTS) was recruited through intensive weekly training seminars for three months. The no-contact control group members were also recreated to participate in health checks and surveys for data collection purposes. Eventually, 26 participants in the intervention group and 54 in the control group were included for data analysis. Results: The age or gender was not significantly different between the intervention and control groups. Analyses of the simple main effects showed that sense of meaningfulness significantly increased for members of the intervention group at all terms, with no changes in the control group over time. Multiple mediation analysis revealed that participation in the intergenerational program was associated with a sense of manageability which was also significantly related to depressive mood. Conclusion: Intergenerational programs could serve as key health promoters among elderly people by decreasing the risk of social isolation and loneliness due to the greater sense of meaningfulness. However, given our limited sample size, generalizability was restricted and studies with larger cohorts are required to further validate our findings. (Edited publisher abstract)
Profiles of social relations among older adults: a cross-cultural approach
- Authors:
- FIORI Katherine L., ANTONUCCI Toni C., AKIYAMA Hiroko
- Journal article citation:
- Ageing and Society, 28(2), February 2008, pp.203-231.
- Publisher:
- Cambridge University Press
This study extends previous research on the profiles of social relations in three ways: (1) by including both functional and qualitative characteristics of social relations; (2) by examining the association of these profiles with mental and physical health and mortality; and (3) by exploring these profiles and associations in two cultures. Using samples of approximately 500 adults aged 60 or more years from the Social Relations and Mental Health over the Life Course studies in both the United States and Japan, separate cluster analyses were conducted for each country. The common or shared network types were labelled ‘diverse’, ‘restricted’, ‘friend-focused’ and ‘family-focused’, but in the US two types of ‘friend-focused’ networks (supported and unsupported) and two types of ‘restricted’ networks (structurally- and functionally-restricted) were found. In addition, a unique network type was found in Japan: ‘married and distal’. Multivariate analyses of variance and Cox regressions revealed that whereas individuals in the functionally restricted network type had the worse physical and mental health in the US, Americans in the structurally-restricted network type had the lowest survival rates at a 12-year follow-up. Interestingly, there were no wellbeing differences by network type in Japan. The findings have been interpreted in the light of social relations theories, with special emphasis on the importance of taking a multidimensional perspective and exploring cultural variation.
Are the care levels of people with dementia correctly assessed for eligibility of the Japanese long-term care insurance?
- Authors:
- ITO Hiroto, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 16(1), January 2001, pp.1078-1084.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
A new long-term care insurance system was launched in Japan in April 2000. Reports on the first national survey on special units of psychiatric hospitals for dementia patients to examine whether their disabilities were well reflected in the eligibility assessment Of all 248 dementia special units of psychiatric hospitals in Japan, 180 units participated in the survey. Five patients were randomly selected in each unit. Results suggest that care level and cognitive impairment are generally correlated in the primary assessment, but some adjustment measure for cognitive impairment is needed in mildly or moderately physically disabled patients.
Mental status of the elderly receiving home health services and the associated stress of home helpers
- Authors:
- NAGATOMO Itsugi, TAKIGAWA Morikuni
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 13(1), January 1998, pp.57-63.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
Investigates older Japanese people receiving home health service investigated. The study examines intellectual levels, depressive state evaluated by the Cornell scale for depression in dementia (CSDD) scale, abnormal behaviours evaluated by the dementia behaviour disturbance (DBD) scale, and activities of daily living (ADL).
Aging in urban Japan – intergenerational reading in Tokyo
- Author:
- BACHMANN Inger Maleen
- Journal article citation:
- Working with Older People, 18(1), 2014, pp.24-29.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to introduce a volunteer network from the Tokyo Metropolitan area that addresses the urge for senior citizens to stay mentally active and provide a possibility for them to participate in intergenerational contact as to feel included and useful to society. Design/methodology/approach: The research derives from literature review, local government documents and online presentation as well as an interview that has been conducted by the Tokyo senior information site. Findings: The REPRINTS (Research of Productivity by Intergenerational Sympathy) network in Tokyo is but one answer that combines a mentally challenging activity with intergenerational contact. The network presents an easy to reach and easy to implement diversion for schools to enable children to experience the traditional form of storytelling and help senior citizens to feel challenged and needed. Practical implications: Learning from the experience of the REPRINTS network could help to set up similar activities in other communities that deal with the same problems and are seeking ways to include senior citizens, help them stay active and useful for the community and encourage intergenerational contact. Originality/value: Japan is one of the forerunners when it comes to aging population. Yet, most research still focusses on the challenges, care and especially problems that occur in dying rural areas. This paper instead tries to take a more positive look to the future and concentrates on urban life and its context. (Publisher abstract)
Coping strategies and its effects on depression among caregivers of impaired elders in Japan
- Authors:
- ABE K., KASHIWAGI T., TSUNETO S.
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 7(3), May 2003, pp.207-211.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
The purpose of this study was to explore the coping strategies of Japanese family caregivers and to investigate relationships between coping strategies, caregiving stressors, and family caregivers' mental health. The authors conducted a survey by mail among family members who provided care for physically or mentally impaired elderly. In this study, we used 166 responses from family caregivers for analysis. Results of exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis indicated three factors, categorized 'Resignation,' 'Consulting and complaining' and 'Distancing'. In addition, results of structure equation modelling suggested a significant effect of 'Resignation' on the mental health of caregivers. Although the factor structure of coping strategies was similar to other studies conducted in Western countries, the effects of coping strategies were quite different. In conclusion, the effects of coping strategies on caregivers' mental health were confirmed in this study, but different types of coping strategies from those of Western countries were found to be associated with mental health of Japanese family caregivers.
Three-year effects of neighborhood social network intervention on mental and physical health of older adults
- Authors:
- HARADA Kazuhiro, et al
- Journal article citation:
- Aging and Mental Health, 25(12), 2021, pp.2235-2245.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
Objectives: Although neighborhood is considered to be a crucial source of social network to promote health among older adults, current findings are mostly derived from observational study designs. This study examined whether participations in event-based community programs could increase neighborhood social network and whether such increase could lead to desirable changes in mental and physical health among older adults. Method: This study employed quasi-experimental design. A baseline questionnaire survey was sent to residents of Tsurukabuto community aged 60 years or more (n = 1769); 1,068 responded. Community events were implemented approximately once a month for three years. Then, a three-year follow-up survey questionnaire was sent to the respondents of the baseline survey. The total number of respondents in the latter survey was 662; of the total, 173 participated in the intervention. Strong and weak ties with neighbours, mental well-being (Ikigai-9), health-related quality of life (HRQOL), and instrumental activity of daily living (IADL) were measured in the surveys. Results: The path analysis revealed that intervention participation was significantly associated with changes in strong ties (standardized path coefficient = 0.12) and changes in strong ties were associated with those in Ikigai-9 scores (standardized path coefficient = 0.15). The total and indirect effects of intervention participation on Ikigai-9 scores were significant. Significant intervention effects were not observed for HRQOL and IADL scores. Conclusion: This study found that participation in our event-based intervention could indirectly and positively influence older adults’ mental well-being through their strong ties with their neighbours. (Edited publisher abstract)
Gender of demented patients and specific family relationship of caregiver to patients influence mental fatigue and burdens on relatives as caregivers
- Authors:
- NAGATOMO Itsugi, et al
- Journal article citation:
- International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 14(8), August 1999, pp.618-625.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
This is a Japanese survey of the burden and psychological problems of family caregivers of demented people. Caregiver burden, general health and dementia behaviour disturbance for male patients were significantly higher than for females. General health for spouses was significantly worse than for offspring. The difficulties experienced by carers was directly related to the cognitive impairment and behaviour of their demented family member, resulting in mental fatigue for the caregiver.
Health and Canadian society: sociological perspectives
- Editors:
- COBURN David, D'ARCY Carl, TORRANCE George M.
- Publisher:
- University of Toronto Press
- Publication year:
- 1998
- Pagination:
- 648p.,tables,bibliogs.
- Place of publication:
- Toronto
Presents a comprehensive overview of the relationship between health, health care, and Canadian society. Includes chapters on: health care costs; health status of Canadians; social distribution of health; low income and child health; the impact of aboriginal health interpreters on decision making; women's perspective on chronic illness; cultural constructions of menopausal women in Japan and Canada; role strains and tranquilliser use; gender and depression; the impact of working conditions, social roles and personal characteristics on gender differences in distress; predictors of successful ageing; women in medicine; maternity traditions and contemporary issues in Canada; womens perspectives on informal care of older people; Ontario's public general hospitals; partnership as a new strategy in mental health policy; community participation in Quebec's health system; the limits of health insurance; family policy and health care in Canada, Sweden and the United States; fiscal crisis and the restructuring of Medicare; and the sociology of health in Canada.