Abstract
Ikigai is a unique Japanese concept that encompasses not only joy and happiness, but also the purpose and meaning of life. The purpose of this study was to explore the factors that contribute to Ikigai, an important concept in the health of older women, and to clarify the relationship between Ikigai and the enhancement of the social aspects of their health. The participants in this longitudinal study, conducted between October 2017 and February 2020, were physically healthy older women aged 65 years and above (N = 132). Physical function and social activity were used as predictors of Ikigai. In addition, willingness for new interactions was used to examine the social aspects of health. A causal model was created from these factors, and path analysis was performed. The results demonstrated that participating in numerous interpersonal activities was predictive of increased Ikigai, but physical function was not. In addition, Ikigai was found to affect the willingness for new interactions. Further, Ikigai could be related to the willingness for new interactions. To enhance the social aspects of older women’s health, it is necessary to focus on Ikigai.
Highlights
Health 2021, 18, 8718. https://Older adults experience many losses that they must cope with, including health, social, economic, and relationship losses [1]
This study focused on Ikigai, which is a concept considered to contribute to social fulfillment in older women
The purpose of this research was twofold: first, to identify the factors that contribute to high Ikigai among older women, and second, to quantitatively assess whether Ikigai affects their willingness to engage in new interactions with people of the same generation
Summary
Health 2021, 18, 8718. https://Older adults experience many losses that they must cope with, including health, social, economic, and relationship losses [1]. Havighurst describes the developmental tasks of old age as adjusting to declining strength and health, retirement and loss of income, and having intimate relationships with people of the same generation [2], among other things. Adapting to these old-age-related losses is an important challenge for older adults. In addition to physical and mental health, such as physical functioning and the presence or absence of disease, the fulfillment of social aspects, such as interpersonal connections, is necessary for a better life in old age. The fulfillment of social aspects, such as interacting with people of the same generation, is an issue that needs additional attention among older women
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callMore From: International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
