Abstract
Purpose: In the present study, the features of “purpose of life” of elderly persons in Japan and Thailand are clarified by focusing on this concept and its related factors, and through the comparison of the results of Japan and Thailand. Methods: The Japanese subjects consist of the elderly aged 60 or older. The Thai subjects consist of the elderly aged 60 or older who live in Thailand. A sum of 250 subjects (men and women) per country will be studied. They were asked about their individual attribution and maintenance of healthy condition. Moreover, 19 items were examined as events leading to life purpose. These items were measured using the Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ) and Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL). Results: Data from 200 elderly people (male: 67, female: 133) in Thailand and 234 elderly people (male: 49, female: 185) in Japan were used in the analysis. Regarding an “Events Leading to Life Purpose,” it was suggested that “activities to enhance learning and culture” and “neighbors and friends, and socializing with acquaintances” helped both in Japan and Thailand. Moreover, “elderly persons’ club activities” and “child” were effective in Thailand, while “spouse” and “grandchild” were effective in Japan. Moreover, Model 1 (event, disease → purpose of life → mental health, and IADL) that became purpose of life for both countries was adopted. Conclusion: In order to improve older adults’ mental health and ADL by improving “purpose of life”, it is required to increase the events leading to life purpose and to prevent illness for both countries. In particular, “activities to enhance learning and culture” and “neighbors and friends, and socializing with acquaintances” was the activity which raises “purpose of life”. Then, “elderly persons’ club activities” and “child” were effective in Thailand, while “spouse” and “grandchild” were effective in Japan.
Highlights
There is a significant demographic revolution of global aging
Regarding differences between Japan and Thailand and “purpose of life” according to sex, Japanese men scored higher than Japanese women in “agitation” and “Sum.” For “lonely dissatisfaction,” Thai women had higher scores compared to Thai men
Kondo and Kamada reported that men’s “purpose of life” decreased as they aged and was lower compared to women [22]
Summary
There is a significant demographic revolution of global aging. Until now, countries around the world may have faced an aged society on some level, but not to the same extent as Japan. Countermeasures for aging are currently considered a significant issue throughout all of Asia [1] Among these countries is Thailand where the current average life expectancy is considered to be at the same level of Japan 30 years ago, but where there is a faster rate of aging, with 14% of the population expected to be aged 65 years or older by 2023. It will be considered an aged society [2]
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