Culturally Congruent Health Activities for the Prevention of Functional Disabilities Among Older Adults in Japan's Forest Communities.

Abstract

In Japan's forest areas, cultural capital and older adults play key roles in helping to sustain the community. The purpose was to explore cultural values/beliefs related to culturally congruent health activities among older adults in forest communities. The qualitative ethnonursing research method was used. Data were collected through fieldwork and key informants' interviews (n = 14) over 1 year. The setting was a traditional village with 80% forest cover. Findings included two universal cultural values/beliefs, which were "community identity as a community member" and "our cohesion and connection as community members." Additionally, two diverse cultural values/beliefs were found: "gender-based differences" and "differences between those having experience working outside the forest community and those without this experience." These were related to community-based health activities. These values/beliefs were suggested to develop a multilayered network around health activities in order to prevent functional disabilities among older adults.