A Contemporary Insight into an Age-Friendly Environment Contributing to the Social Network, Active Ageing and Quality of Life of Community Resident Seniors in Japan

Abstract

Japan has been promoting an age-friendly environment for the health and well-being of its senior citizens. This study aimed to identify the environmental factors that promote social network diversity, active ageing, and quality of life for seniors in Japan. Through the experience of 243 seniors in different parts of Japan, we assessed 20 factors of the WHO recommended age-friendly environment theoretical framework and how those contributed to the dependent variables: social network diversity, active ageing, and quality of life. Three factors significantly influenced the social network of seniors: (1) engagement in volunteer activity, and (2) having opportunities for paid employment, and (3) having internet access at home, whereas two factors (1) participation in sociocultural activities and (2) participation in group physical activities in leisure time, were statistically significant in relation to active ageing. Furthermore, the quality of life was significantly related to (1) locally available information about health concerns and service needs; (2) personal care or assistance needs achievable in the home setting using formal services; and (3) income sufficient to meet basic needs over the previous 12 months without public or private assistance. In conclusion, access to care in the community is important for the quality of life of the older, whilst social participation and exercise merit active ageing. Age-friendly environment implies a balance of care, welfare, and health services.