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Asset accumulation in later life is a pressing issue in Japan due to the growing gap between life expectancy (87.14 years for women, 81.09 years for men in 2023) and the retirement age (65 or less). This gap heightens financial insecurity, emphasizing the need to meet asset goals by 65. Hyperbolic discounting, driven by present-biased preferences, often hinders this process, but empirical evidence for those aged 65 and older remains limited. Moreover, prior research has overlooked the varying impacts of hyperbolic discounting across different wealth levels. This study addresses these gaps by analyzing data from 6709 active Japanese investors aged over 65 (2023 wave) using probit regression. Wealth thresholds are categorized into four levels: JPY 20 million, JPY 30 million, JPY 50 million, and JPY 100 million. The results show that hyperbolic discounting significantly impairs asset accumulation at the JPY 100 million level but not at lower thresholds. This effect likely reflects the complex nature of hyperbolic discounting, which primarily affects long-term savings and investments. The findings underscore the importance of addressing hyperbolic discounting in later-life financial planning. Recommendations include implementing automatic savings plans, enhancing financial literacy, and incorporating behavioral insights into planning tools to support better asset accumulation outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aims to compare the physical fitness test results of Japanese children in 2008 and 2018 to narrow the gap between life expectancy and healthy life expectancy and extend healthy life expectancy. In addition, this paper sought to explore the potential of implementing health education programs as a new social context to promote race equality and human rights in health and social care. Design/methodology/approach: This study was conducted in 2008 and 2018 in Nagano Prefecture, Japan. Physical fitness tests related to growth and development were administered to participants aged 6–17 years. Findings: Physical fitness measurements in 2018, specifically those for walking ability and endurance, were significantly inferior to those in 2008. In a gender-specific analysis, boys outperformed girls in muscle strength, muscle endurance, walking ability and endurance tests, while girls outperformed boys in the balance test. Research limitations/implications: Most of the junior and senior high school students who participated in the EO test exceeded the upper limit of 120 s, suggesting that the load of the measurement method is low and improvement is necessary. In 2018, a large variation in 6M results was observed among participants, possibly due to the differences in the level of seriousness during the 6M test. Therefore, to ensure that junior and senior high school students properly perform the EO and 6M tests, it is necessary to devise an effective method of implementation, such as changing the physical fitness test load. Originality/value: Mere health education is ineffective to address health inequalities. Addressing structural factors is essential to avoid unintended consequences such as increasing the gap between groups of people. However, one way to extend healthy life expectancy is to improve overall health, including differences in the health status of groups due to differences in region and socioeconomic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We live in a society where extending one's healthy lifespan is becoming increasingly important. Momordica charantia (MC) extract contains many bioactive substances, such as vitamin D, phytosterols, glycosides, saponins, alkaloids, and triterpenes, and has various health-promoting effects, but its effect on extending a healthy lifespan is unknown. This study investigated the effects of MC extract on a healthy lifespan, focusing on bitter taste receptors and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Male and female mice from the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) were divided into control and MC-extract-treated groups, with the latter receiving oral doses of MC extract three times a week for two years. In aged male mice, MC extract increased the muscle mass and grip strength and prolonged the time to exhaustion. MC extract also enhanced the signaling from taste receptor type 2 member 1 (T2R1) to mTOR in muscle in both sexes, elevating the ribosomal protein S6 kinase beta-1 and ribosomal protein S6 levels. This T2R1/mTOR pathway works in protein synthesis and is important for increasing muscle mass. Conversely, the levels of eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3 decreased in both aged male and female mice after MC extract administration. These findings suggest that the administration of MC extract may extend the healthy lifespan of male mice, with bitter taste receptors and mTOR signaling playing key roles in this process. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Despite health benefits, many older adults struggle to meet physical activity guidelines, leading to stagnant activity levels. While integrating physical activity into daily routines has been proposed as a promising strategy for older adults, fit‐for‐purpose measurement tools to assess such routines are lacking. The Checklist for Habitual Physical Activity (CHaPA) was developed based on the positive deviance approach and socio‐ecological model to assess daily behaviours encouraging physical activity among adults aged 75 and older. It has been confirmed for its content and face validity. However, to ensure its broader applicability and usefulness, assessing its construct validity and reliability is necessary. Therefore, this study aims to assess the construct validity and reliability of the CHaPA and accordingly update the tool. Methods: To validate the construct validity of the CHaPA 22‐item version, we conducted item analysis and exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses. We removed inappropriate items based on predefined criteria. Then, we assessed the reliability, internal consistency, test–retest reliability, and measurement errors of the CHaPA final version. Results: Item analyses and factor analyses resulted in the deletion of 11 items. The results of confirmatory factor analysis validated the CHaPA 11‐item version with the three‐factor structure based on model fit index with χ2/degree of freedom = 1.25, comparative fit index = 0.965, Tucker‐Lewis index = 0.952, and root‐mean‐square error of approximation = 0.038. Omega coefficient (0.90) showed excellent internal consistency. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) demonstrated good test–retest reliability (ICC (1, 2) = 0.77, 95% CI = 0.34–0.89, standard error of measurement = 1.75). Conclusions: We finalised the CHaPA 11‐item version as a valid and reliable instrument for assessing daily behaviours conducive to physical activity among individuals aged 75 years and older. We need to examine the methods and effectiveness of disseminating this checklist to ensure its utilisation as a resource for promoting healthy ageing and aiding older adults in maintaining active lifestyles. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Japan has become a super-aged society. To overcome the negative implications of this, practitioners are increasingly using exercise-based interventions to reduce the requirement for long-term care among Japanese older adults. However, no comprehensive means of assessing the wide range of exercise behavioral determinants exists for this population. Thus, the principle aim of this study was to develop a questionnaire based upon the theoretical domains framework—a framework that has synthesized a wide range of behavior change theories. Completed responses were received from 1,000 Japanese older adults who resided in the Kansai area of Japan. Findings were suggestive of good reliability and validity for seven unique psychological determinants of exercise. This study was the first to provide a measurement tool related to a distinct range of psychological determinants of exercise among Japanese older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: We aimed to identify the factors contributing to subjective well‐being in community‐dwelling older adults in rural Japan. This study explored the relationship among physical and mental health, socioeconomic status, and activity levels with regard to the subjective well‐being of older adults. Methods: In the Frail Elderly in the Sasayama‐Tamba Area study, a cohort investigation of independent older adults in a rural Japanese community, 541 of 844 participants completed a 2‐year follow‐up survey. Subjective well‐being was assessed as a binary based on three factors – "happiness," "satisfaction with life" and "meaning in life" – using a subset of the World Health Organization's Quality of Life questionnaire. The improvement group transitioned from not having subjective well‐being during the baseline survey to having subjective well‐being during the follow‐up survey. Furthermore, we used multivariable log‐Poisson regression models to calculate the prevalence ratios of subjective well‐being. Results: The cross‐sectional study showed that sleep satisfaction, health services access satisfaction and having a higher‐level functional capacity were positively associated with having "happiness" and "satisfaction with life." Furthermore, being aged ≥80 years and having financial leeway were positively associated with having "meaning in life." The longitudinal study showed that having a higher‐level functional capacity was positively associated with improving "happiness" and "satisfaction with life." Being female was positively associated with improving "happiness" and "meaning in life," and health services access satisfaction and alcohol drinking were positively associated with improving "satisfaction with life" and "meaning in life," respectively. Conclusions: These findings offer promising avenues for enhancing the subjective well‐being of older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2024; 24: 311–319. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a super-aging society, health promotion activities in local Japanese communities are increasingly essential. Developing the health-promotion programs must include the perspective of older people residing in these communities and what they believe to be their regional strengths. This study aimed to clarify the elements of regional strengths perceived by older people living in local Japanese communities from the literature review. Using the internet edition of the Japan Medical Abstracts Society (Ichu-shi), the authors examined papers on Japanese regional residents using relevant keywords. Of 342 considered papers, 14 papers were extracted in this study. As a result, the contents related to the regional strengths perceived by the older people living in the local Japanese community were extracted, classified based on the similarity of the meanings and contents, and then summarized into the elements of the strengths. As the regional strengths, three categories were cited for individual elements: "Actions or behaviors underpinned by experience," "Continuing to live with positivity and vigor," and "Extensive support for the subject and their family." Three categories were cited for environmental elements: "A comfortable environment," "Maintaining intimate and friendly interpersonal relations," and "Support that meets the regional characteristics." Along with individual and environmental elements, support from experts in the region was cited. Hence, it was concluded that the active participation of experts is essential for promoting activities in local communities, and that deepening relationship with older people has the potential to improve their quality of life. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The integration of stakeholders is crucial in developing smart living technologies to support the autonomy of elderly populations. Despite the clear benefits of these technologies, there remains a significant gap in comprehensive research. Methods: This study presents the viewpoints of 19 stakeholders from Europe and Japan, focusing on the sustainability of smart living solutions for Active and Healthy Ageing (AHA). Data were gathered through qualitative semi-structured interviews and analysed using a Framework Analysis approach. Results: Analysis of the interviews revealed six key sustainability categories: addressing the unmet needs of older adults, functionalities of the smart living coach, integration within organizations, identified barriers, financial considerations, and the social role of the smart living coach. Conclusions: This research underscores the importance of evaluating user needs through the involvement of various stakeholders, including the elderly, their caregivers, professionals, technicians, service providers, and government bodies. Collaborative efforts are essential to generate new evidence demonstrating the value of smart living solutions in facilitating Active and Healthy Ageing. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

With a substantial rise in life expectancy throughout the last century, society faces the imperative of seeking inventive approaches to foster active aging and provide adequate aging care. The e-VITA initiative, jointly funded by the European Union and Japan, centers on an advanced virtual coaching methodology designed to target essential aspects of promoting active and healthy aging. This paper describes the technical framework underlying the e-VITA virtual coaching system platform and presents preliminary feedback on its use. At its core is the e-VITA Manager, a pivotal component responsible for harmonizing the seamless integration of various specialized devices and modules. These modules include the Dialogue Manager, Data Fusion, and Emotional Detection, each making distinct contributions to enhance the platform's functionalities. The platform's design incorporates a multitude of devices and software components from Europe and Japan, each built upon diverse technologies and standards. This versatile platform facilitates communication and seamless integration among smart devices such as sensors and robots while efficiently managing data to provide comprehensive coaching functionalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

(1) Background: The increasing older population and demographic shifts highlight the need to understand the digital profiles of older adults, a pivotal factor in developing innovative technologies like the e-VITA virtual coach. This personalized coach provides recommendations for sustainable well-being in a smart home environment. (2) Methods: This study focuses on analyzing the characteristics of older individuals categorized as Internet users (onliners) and non-users (offliners). European Social Survey data from 2021 were utilized for European analysis, determining Internet usage based on frequency. Offliners are defined as users who never use the Internet, and onliners as those who use it, albeit with different frequencies. In Japan, data from the 9th International Comparative Survey on the Lives and Attitudes of the Elderly were employed, based on the responses of 1367 subjects, which defined onliners as individuals using communication devices and offliners as those not utilizing fax machines, cell phones, or the Internet. (3) Results: This paper presents a primary analysis of older end-user context and perspectives, outlining effective strategies for the diffusion of an active and healthy aging coaching system in the market and society. (4) Conclusions: the study emphasizes the importance of analyzing digital behavior in any user-centered design approach to ensure the system's acceptance after deployment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined whether satisfaction with social interactions and the number of people interacted with during walking groups is associated with affective responses among older adults. Twenty-six older adults were asked to participate in five walking group sessions. The participants walked together for 40–50 min. In every session, the participants reported their affective responses to walking (positive engagement, tranquility, and negative affect), their level of satisfaction with the social interactions experienced, and the number of people interacted with during the walk. The available data were from 107 person-sessions. Multilevel models revealed that, although a higher number of people interacted with was not significantly associated with improvements in any affective responses, higher satisfaction with the interactions was significantly associated with improvements in positive engagement at both the within- and between-person levels. This study found that higher satisfaction with the interactions was associated with desirable affective responses among older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: Despite the recognized impact of intrinsic capacity (IC) impairment on healthy aging, international comparisons in different sociocultural contexts are scarce. This study aimed to compare IC impairment among community-dwelling older adults in Japan and Taiwan to explore the context of healthy aging in different countries. Design: Comparative observational study. Setting: National Institute for Longevity Sciences-Longitudinal Study of Aging (NILS-LSA) in Japan and Longitudinal Aging Study of Taipei (LAST) in Taiwan. Participants: 794 individuals (age range, 60.0–86.5 years) from NILS-LSA and 1,358 (60.0–96.7 years) from LAST. Measurements: IC impairment was evaluated across the domains of locomotion, cognition, vitality, sensory capacity, and psychological well-being. Participants were categorized as having impaired IC or healthy. We investigated associations between IC impairment, falls, and all-cause mortality. Results: IC impairment was present in 54.9% and 37.3% of participants in the NILS-LSA and LAST cohorts, respectively. Male NILS-LSA participants with impaired IC (odds ratio [OR]:1.50, 95% confidence interval [CI]:1.03–2.20), with hearing loss (OR:1.98, 95% CI:1.00–3.90) were more likely to fall. In LAST, impaired locomotion (OR:2.14, 95% CI:1.46–3.14) increased the risk of falls. Men with impaired IC (hazard ratio [HR]; 2.14, 95% CI.10–4.15) and visual impairment (HR:2.21, 95% CI:1.15–4.25) and women with impaired psychological well-being (HR:4.94, 95% CI:1.28–18.97) in the NILS-LSA cohort had greater risk for all-cause mortality; however, this was not shown for LAST participants. Conclusion: The prevalence and distribution of IC impairment and associated biomarkers differed significantly between participants in Japan and Taiwan. However, the associations with adverse outcomes remained similar, emphasizing the need for tailored interventions for healthy aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Previous studies have shown that musical instrument training programs of 16 or more weeks improve verbal memory (Logical Memory Test delayed recall), processing speed (Digit Symbol Coding Test), and executive function (Trail Making Test Part B) of musically untrained healthy older adults. However, it is unclear whether shorter-period instrument training can yield similar effects. We sought to (1) verify those results and (2) clarify if intervention effects could be detected using other measures such as reaction time. Methods: Healthy older adults (mean age = 73.28 years) were pseudo-randomly assigned to an untrained control group (n = 30) or an intervention group (n = 30) that received a weekly 10-session musical instrument training program (using melodica). We conducted neuropsychological tests on which intervention effects or association with musical training were reported in previous studies. We newly included two reaction time tasks to assess verbal working memory (Sternberg task) and rhythm entrainment (timing task). Intervention effects were determined using a "group x time" analysis of variance (ANOVA). Results: The intervention effects were detected on the reaction time in Sternberg task and phonological verbal fluency. Although intervention effects had been reported on Logical Memory test, Digit Symbol Coding Test and Trail Making Test in previous studies with longer training periods, the present study did not show such effects. Instead, the test-retest practice effect, indicated by significant improvement in the control group, was significant on these tests. Discussion: The present results indicated the usefulness of working memory assessments (Verbal Fluency Test and Sternberg task) in detecting the effects of short-term melodica training in healthy older adults. The practice effect detected on those three tasks may be due to the shorter interval between preand post-intervention assessments and may have obscured intervention effects. Additionally, the findings suggested the requirement for an extended interval between pre- and post-tests to capture rigorous intervention effects, although this should be justified by a manipulation of training period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The purpose of this study was to explore the attitudes toward the components of active aging and to examine the relationship of attitudes toward active aging with the impressions of older adults across different age groups and across Taiwan, South Korea and Japan. The sample was a total 1,619 individuals comprising of 615 Taiwanese people, 495 Koreans, and 509 Japanese people. Five factors of attitudes toward active aging were extracted by factor analysis: Health, Participation, Connectedness, Work, and Security. Taiwanese people emphasized more importance on health, social participation, and security; while Koreans and Japanese people emphasized more on social connectedness and work. The age group differences were not significant in the attitudes to active aging. Japanese reported more negative impressions to older adults than Taiwanese people, and Koreans were less willing to live with older adults than Taiwanese people. The older group also reported more positive impressions to older adults. Public stigma of aging may exist, implying that intergenerational mutual understanding would reduce ageism or age discrimination. An active aging policy may reduce the public stigma toward older adults and may reduce the burden of intergenerational redistribution. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This article offers a comparative ethnographic study of ageing as both category and experience. Drawing on simultaneous 16-month ethnographies conducted as part of the ASSA project, we focus on how ageing is being re-defined in eight contexts around the world, with particular focus on the authors' field sites: rural and urban settings in both Japan and Uganda. Despite being among the world's oldest and youngest populations, respectively, there are various affinities in both ethnographies of age and technology use related to the reconfiguration of family-care norms across distances. This shared finding informs the articulation of age categories, which we found to be negotiated in line with established intergenerational expectations and family roles. This paper is illustrated with ethnographic examples of how people redefine ageing in context and in turn bring 'age' to life, demonstrating the social significance of age categories. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: We developed a program that encourages interaction among older people living at home by combining face‐to‐face and online activities and examined its effects on older adults' psychosocial health. Methods: In this mixed‐methods study, we recruited 11 women and 6 men (Mage = 79.5 ± 6.4 years), who lived in a rural community and participated in a senior citizen club. The intervention was conducted for 13 months, comprising monthly face‐to‐face group and social media activities. For the program process evaluation, we collected focus‐group interview data on participants' perceptions of their personal lives, club membership, and community post‐intervention. For the outcome evaluation, we collected six outcome measures pre‐ and post‐intervention: loneliness, subjective health, subjective well‐being, self‐esteem, social support and social activity satisfaction. Finally, through the integration of the process‐outcome evaluation, we inferred what effects the program had on participants' psychosocial health. Results: In the process evaluation, we identified four themes: 'Stimulation brought about by relationships with peers,' 'Realization as to where they feel they belong,' 'Rethinking of oneself in the community,' and 'Awareness of attachment to and coexistence with the community.' In the outcome evaluation, the outcome measures were maintained without significant decline post‐intervention. Conclusion: Through the integration of the process‐outcome evaluation, we deduced three effects of the program on psychosocial health: (1) fulfilment of subjective health, (2) maintenance and assurance of moderate distance connectedness and (3) orientation toward aging in place. Implications for practice: This study offers a promising opportunity for further development and research into community‐based preventive nursing care intervention strategies to maintain the psychosocial health of homebound older people in communities with social activity groups. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Physical activity has significant health benefits for the heart, body, and mind. However, the percentage of people engaging in exercise routines is low in Japan. Goals are important components of motivation. Scholars suggest that appropriately setting both subordinate goals of what to do and superordinate goals of why to do it may motivate the audience and promote behavior. However, it is not known what goals are presented in print materials that promote physical activity. Therefore, this study aimed to understand the presented goals by performing content analysis of those materials in Japan. We collected print materials such as leaflets, brochures, and posters via website search. The presence of subordinate and superordinate goals and topics for each goal was analyzed. A total of 224 print materials were systematically collected and analyzed. The results showed that 14.3% of the print materials did not present any superordinate goals, whereas 100% of them presented subordinate goals. For superordinate goals, healthy aging was frequently presented. For subordinate goals, 67.4% presented only exercise. There is a difference in presenting goals between the private and government sectors. Since goals affect motivation and behavior change, it may be beneficial to incorporate the findings of the goal theory in future print materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objective: The ideal vaginal environment is maintained by Lactobacillus species, which keep the vagina clean and free of infections, boost fertility and immunity. Age-related decline in estrogen affects Lactobacillus population, leading to dominance of nonoptimal species and increased diversity in vaginal microbiota. In this study, we compared the differences between the vaginal microbiota of pre- and postmenopausal women. We also examined the relationships between vaginal and gut microbiota, their relationships with sex hormones and equol-producing ability. Materials and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study of 35 premenopausal and 35 postmenopausal women (age range: 27–76 years). We compared parameters such as the composition of the gut and vaginal microbiota, vaginal pH, estradiol, follicular stimulating hormone, and urinary equol concentration. Results: In the vaginal microbiota of premenopausal women, Lactobacillus species constituted ∼71.98%, and nonoptimal species constituted ∼16.87%. They were 10.08% and 26.78%, respectively, in the vaginal microbiota of postmenopausal women. The proportion of Lactobacillus was significantly low, whereas microbial diversity and vaginal pH were significantly high (p < 0.0001) in postmenopausal women. The compositions of the vaginal microbiota were significantly different in pre- and postmenopausal women. However, such differences were not noticeable in the gut microbiota. Urinary equol production had no significant correlation with vaginal microbiota, although it had significant relationships with gut microbiota in postmenopausal women. In both groups, the proportions of vaginal Lactobacillus were inversely correlated with vaginal microbial diversity and vaginal pH. Conclusion: Postmenopausal women had significantly low Lactobacillus and high nonoptimal species in their vaginal flora, whereas such age-related differences were not identified in gut microbiota. Urinary equol concentration had significant correlation with gut microbiota in postmenopausal women only. This study was registered with the University Hospital Medical Information Network (UMIN) Clinical Trial Registry (Trial registration No.: UMIN000043944). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and purpose: Social engagement is an important active aging strategy to promote older adults' mental health. The purposes of this study were to compare social engagement in older populations around the world and explore associations with mental health outcomes. Materials and methods: An international cross‐sectional survey was conducted from 2017 to 2019. Data were retrieved from The International Social Survey Programme for a secondary data analysis across 30 countries. This study applied the Taxonomy of Social Activities and its six levels as operational definitions for a consistent concept of social engagement for international comparisons. Results: In total, 9403 older adults with a mean age of 72.85 ± 6.40 years responded. The highest levels of older adults' social engagement were found in Switzerland, Thailand, and New Zealand. Older adults of a higher age, with a lower educational level, who were permanently sick or disabled, who had no partner, who were widowed or whose civil partner had died, who lived alone, and who had lower self‐placement in society had significantly lower social engagement than did their counterparts. In the regression model, older adults' social engagement positively predicted general health, self‐accomplishment, and life satisfaction, but negatively predicted loneliness and depression. Conclusions: In aging societies worldwide, encouraging older adults' social engagement would be beneficial to promote mental health. Implications for nursing practice and health policies: Community professional nurses can develop strategies of social engagement based on the needs and sociodemographic factors of older adults to improve their mental health. Developing efficient strategies and local policies by learning from successful experiences in other countries is important to promote social engagement in aging societies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• People with lower education have a shorter disability-free life expectancy (DFLE). • Among people having social participation, DFLE in people with lower education level was almost the same as that in those with higher education. • Promoting social participation may offset the disparity in DFLE by education level. Higher education level is associated with longer disability-free life expectancy (DFLE). However, evidence is scarce regarding factors that can contribute to eliminating inequality in DFLE according to education level. This study aimed to clarify the association between education and DFLE and estimate whether DFLE in people with lower education may increase to the same level as that in people with higher education through social participation. We analyzed data from 13,849 Japanese people aged 65 years and older who participated in a 13-year prospective study. At baseline, we collected information on education levels (low, middle, or high) and social participation. DFLE was defined as the average duration people expect to live without disability. To calculate DFLE for each education level group, the multistate life table method was employed using a Markov model. At the age of 65 years, DFLE (95 % confidence interval [CI]) in women with low education was 21.3 years (20.8–21.8) without social participation and 24.3 (23.8–24.9) with social participation. In the middle education group, DFLE was 22.1 (21.6–22.6) without social participation and 25.0 (24.6–25.5) with social participation. In the high education group, DFLE was 22.1 (21.5–22.8) without social participation and 25.5 (25.0–26.0) with social participation. Similar results were found for men. DFLE in people with low or middle education with social participation was almost the same as that in those with high education with social participation, suggesting the possibility that disparities in DFLE by education level could be offset by promoting social participation in older adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Overall, social isolation was not clearly related to ADL disability in older people. • Subgroup analysis showed that in Asian regions, social isolation was related to ADL disability. • Not participating in social clubs or religious groups consistently showed an association with ADL disability. We assessed the relationship between social isolation and functional disability in older people. Comparison of longitudinal cohort studies. Harmonised longitudinal datasets from the United States, England, European countries, Japan, Korea, China and Hong Kong. Social isolation was operationalised as a composite score with five domains, such as marital status, living alone, and social contact with others. Functional disability was defined as whether the cohort participant had any difficulty in activities of daily living (ADL). In each dataset, we used robust Poisson regression models to obtain the relative risks (RRs) and the corresponding 95 % confidence intervals (CI). We combined the RRs to synthesize a pooled estimate using meta-analysis with random-effects models. Overall, the social isolation composite score was not associated with ADL disability (pooled RR = 1.05, 95 % CI [0.97–1.14], n = 40,119). Subgroup analysis suggested social isolation composite score was associated with ADL disability in Asian regions (pooled RR = 1.09, 95 % CI [1.02, 1.16], but not in Western regions (pooled RR = 1.01, 95 % CI [0.96, 1.07]). The relationships between different domains of social isolation and ADL disability were heterogeneous, except that no participation in any social clubs or religious groups was consistently associated with ADL disability (pooled RR = 1.12, 95 % CI [1.04, 1.21]). Targeting social isolation may prevent decline in functional abilities in older adults, providing an avenue to active and healthy ageing. Nonetheless, interventions tackling social isolation should tailor to the unique cultural and social underpinnings. A limitation of the study is that reverse causality could not be ruled out definitively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, Japan's long-term foreign residents have continued to increase; and among the communities that have settled, Filipinos constitute one of several aging groups of migrants. This paper focuses on how aging Filipina migrants reflect upon and negotiate their observations on how they age in Japan. It argues that their perceptions of aging arise from expectations of self-reliance and independence linked to a discourse of successful aging popular in current discussions on aging globally. Based on ethnographic fieldwork, this paper shows how informants articulate their expectations through the management of finances, personal health, and the practice of transnational retirement. It ultimately shows that within a shifting neoliberal discourse that pressures citizens to age proactively, alleviating the burden on the Japanese state, Filipinas express counter-narratives through their personal worries, desires, and practices. These have implications for the discussion on aging migrants in Japan. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background and Objectives While governments are building age-friendly environments, community-based social innovation (CBSI) provides opportunities for older community residents to interact. Common CBSIs in Japan are in the form of group exercise activities or social–cultural activities, such as reading, writing, poetry, chorus, calligraphy, card game, knitting, planting trees, and cooking. In this study, an age-friendly environment in Japan was assessed quantitatively and qualitatively through the perceptions of community residents and their interaction with the environment. Research Design and Methods A cross-sectional survey of 243 participants and multiple in-depth interviews were carried out. A quantitative study applied the World Health Organization (WHO) framework of 20 age-friendly environmental factors with analysis applying a structural equation model. A qualitative study applied focus group meetings and in-depth interviews to conduct a thematic analysis of Japanese community residents' activities according to the WHO scope of CBSI for healthy aging. Results This age-friendly environment in Japan has provided pathways for the older people to sustain their social network, which promotes civic participation and engagement in peer group activities leading to active aging. CBSIs are the factors that lead to an age-friendly environment resulting in a sustainable quality of life. Discussion and Implications It is important to sustain CBSIs in the era of coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic as those are the paths leading to healthy aging communities and quality of older residents' life. The lessons learned about how physical environment and social participation result in healthy, active quality of life for older adults in Japan may be applicable to other contexts around the world. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Our study examined the association between social participation and healthy aging using a community-based cohort study among Japanese older adults.Methods: This prospective study was conducted in Ohsaki City, Japan, and included 7226 participants aged ≥65 years at the baseline survey in 2006. We obtained information on frequency of participation in 3 types of community activities (ie, neighborhood activities, hobbies, and volunteer activities) at baseline. Exposure was measured by the number of types of community activities participated in and participants were categorized into 4 groups (ie, none, 1 type, 2 types, and 3 types). The primary outcome was healthy aging as assessed by a questionnaire survey conducted in 2017, and was defined as meeting the following 4 criteria: free of disability, free of depression, high health-related quality of life, and high life satisfaction. We used multiple logistic regression models to calculate the corresponding odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.Results: During 11 years of follow-up, 574 (7.9%) participants attained healthy aging. Compared with participants not participating in any activity, the multivariable-adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) were 1.90 (1.40, 2.59) for those participating in 1 type, 2.49 (1.84, 3.38) for 2 types, and 3.06 (2.30, 4.07) for 3 types (p for trend < .0001). Furthermore, for each type of community activity, a higher frequency of participation was related to higher probability of healthy aging.Conclusions: Our study suggests that social participation is associated with the promotion of healthy aging, and that the benefits were observed across different types of community activities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Maintaining ≥20 teeth is a public health goal worldwide. Healthy aging, which includes psychological and social well‐being, as well as physical indicators, has attracted a great deal of attention with the progression of aging societies. However, no studies have examined the association between the number of remaining teeth and healthy aging. This study aimed to investigate the association between the number of remaining teeth and healthy aging. Methods: This community‐based longitudinal cohort study included 8300 Japanese people aged ≥65 years who were free of disability and depression in the baseline survey in 2006. The participants were categorized into four groups according to the number of remaining teeth at baseline: 0–9, 10–19, 20–24 and ≥25. The primary outcome was healthy aging (defined as meeting all four of the following criteria: free of disability, free of depression, high health‐related quality of life and high life satisfaction), as assessed by a questionnaire survey carried out in 2017. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate the corresponding odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals. Results: During about 11 years of follow‐up, 621 (7.5%) participants attained healthy aging. Participants with ≥20 remaining teeth showed a higher healthy aging rate. Compared with participants with 0–9 teeth, the multivariate‐adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for 10–19, 20–24 and ≥25 teeth were 0.98 (0.77–1.26), 1.28 (1.01–1.63) and 1.59 (1.24–2.03), respectively. Conclusions: These findings suggest that maintaining ≥20 teeth was associated with healthy aging. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 68–74. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Healthy ageing has become a popular topic worldwide. So far, a consensus measure of healthy ageing has not been reached; and no studies have compared the magnitude of socio-economic inequality in healthy ageing outside Europe. This study aims to create a universal measure of healthy ageing and compare socio-economic inequalities in healthy ageing in the United States of America (USA), England, China and Japan. We included 10,305 American, 6,590 English, 5,930 Chinese and 1,935 Japanese participants for longitudinal analysis. A harmonised healthy ageing index (HAI) was developed to measure healthy ageing multi-dimensionally. Educational, income and wealth rank scores were derived accounting for the entire socio-economic distribution and the sample size of each category of socio-economic indicator. Associations between socio-economic rank scores and HAIs were assessed using multi-level modelling to calculate the Slope Indices of Inequality. Healthy ageing trajectories were predicted based on the full-adjusted age-cohort models. We found that education was a universally influential socio-economic predictor of healthy ageing. Moving from the highest to the lowest educational groups was associated with a 6.7 (5.2–8.2), 8.2 (6.0–10.4), 13.9 (11.4–16.3) and 6.1 per cent (3.9–8.2%) decrease in average HAI at 60 years in the USA, England, China and Japan, respectively. After 60 years, the educational inequality in healthy ageing kept increasing in the USA and China. The educational inequality in healthy ageing in China was also greater than any other socio-economic inequality in the four countries. Wealth was more influential in predicting healthy ageing inequality among American, English and Japanese participants, while income was more influential among Chinese participants. The socio-economic inequality in healthy ageing in Japan was relatively small. Chinese and American participants had worse healthy ageing profiles than Japanese and English participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives Heterogeneity in successful aging has been found across countries. Yet, comparable evidence is sparse except in North America and Europe. Extending prior research, this study examined the prevalence and correlates of successful aging in East Asia: China, Korea, and Japan. Method We used harmonized data sets from national surveys. A total of 6,479 participants (aged between 65 and 75) were analyzed. Using Rowe and Kahn's (1987 , 1997) model, successful aging was defined as having no major diseases, no difficulty performing activities of daily living, obtaining a median or higher score on tests of cognitive function, and being actively engaged. Results The average prevalence of successful agers was 17.6%. There were variations in the global and specific measures of successful aging within and across countries, even after controlling for individual sociodemographic factors (age, gender, and education). The odds of aging successfully were highest in Japan and lowest in China, especially in the rural areas. Being younger and males were associated with a higher likelihood of successful agers in both global and specific measures. Discussion This study observed heterogeneity in successful aging in East Asia. To identify policy implications, future research should explore potential societal factors influencing individuals' opportunities for successful aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated the factors that support the elderly citizens' perceived healthy independent longevity during and beyond the COVID-19 pandemic. The Structural Equation Modeling was conducted with the 1607 dataset collected from Japan to validate a proposed model with six antecedent factors. It has been found that "Town vibrancy" and "Mobility and transportations" have the most significant impact, whereas "Health and welfare policies" and "Community bonding" have a relatively lower impact on their perceived healthy longevity. The study has provided a conceptual model with measurements for further discussions in the field of study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Generativity is increasingly being recognized as a key element of healthy aging. The present study investigated whether children who received more positive grandparental involvement would show higher generativity in late life. Methods: In 2017, 173 older adults living in Wakuya City (Miyagi Prefecture, Japan), and who showed normal cognition based on the Quick Mild Cognitive Impairment Screen, participated in a self‐report life course survey (age range: 65–88 years). The association between positive grandparental involvement in childhood and generativity (measured by the Loyola Generativity Scale) was investigated using multiple linear regression adjusted for potential confounders. Results: Compared with older adults without or had low positive grandparental involvement in childhood, a higher level of generativity was observed among those with medium (β = 1.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.24–3.62) and high positive grandparental involvement (β = 2.09, 95% CI: 0.32–3.87), adjusting for age, gender, memory performance, depressive symptoms, childhood socio‐economic status and parental involvement. The significant dose–response association remained even after further adjusting for education and current grandparental experiences. Conclusion: Greater positive grandparental involvement in childhood was associated with a higher level of generativity among community‐dwelling, cognitively intact, Japanese older adults. Geriatr Gerontol Int ••; ••: ••–••Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; ••: ••–••. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An introduction is presented in which the editor discusses various topics within the issue, including the older adults' pathway to retirement in South Korea, the nutritional deficiencies at older ages, and the relationship between urbanicity and dementia in China.

Population aging is a global phenomenon, and Japan is one of the front-runners of rapidly aging societies. In 2030, one-third of the Japanese population will be at least 65 years of age and 20% will be at least 75 years of age. The working age population is shrinking. Healthy aging is a crucial issue for both individual well-being and the sustainability of society. Along with biomedical research, the importance of the living environment and lifestyle has been long recognized and extensively studied. The issues have been identified and now it is time to establish solutions and actions – action-targeted research. The Institute of Gerontology at the University of Tokyo launched a social experiment, redesigning existing communities where people could live for 100 years and remain healthy, active, and connected, while still maintaining a sense of security. This requires co-creation by citizens, researchers, government, and industry. The ultimate goal is to make linkages among longevity, health, and wealth, and to build a sustainable society. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Research has suggested the positive impact of physical activity on health and wellbeing in older age, yet few studies have investigated the associations between physical activity and heterogeneous trajectories of healthy ageing. We aimed to identify how physical activity can influence healthy ageing trajectories using a harmonised dataset of eight ageing cohorts across the world. Methods: Based on a harmonised dataset of eight ageing cohorts in Australia, USA, Mexico, Japan, South Korea, and Europe, comprising 130,521 older adults (Mage = 62.81, SDage = 10.06) followed-up up to 10 years (Mfollow-up = 5.47, SDfollow-up = 3.22), we employed growth mixture modelling to identify latent classes of people with different trajectories of healthy ageing scores, which incorporated 41 items of health and functioning. Multinomial logistic regression modelling was used to investigate the associations between physical activity and different types of trajectories adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics and other lifestyle behaviours. Results: Three latent classes of healthy ageing trajectories were identified: two with stable trajectories with high (71.4%) or low (25.2%) starting points and one with a high starting point but a fast decline over time (3.4%). Engagement in any level of physical activity was associated with decreased odds of being in the low stable (OR: 0.18; 95% CI: 0.17, 0.19) and fast decline trajectories groups (OR: 0.44; 95% CI: 0.39, 0.50) compared to the high stable trajectory group. These results were replicated with alternative physical activity operationalisations, as well as in sensitivity analyses using reduced samples. Conclusions: Our findings suggest a positive impact of physical activity on healthy ageing, attenuating declines in health and functioning. Physical activity promotion should be a key focus of healthy ageing policies to prevent disability and fast deterioration in health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: The purpose of this study was to develop a machine learning prediction model for successful aging (SA) based on physical fitness tests. Methods: A total of 3657 community‐dwelling adults aged ≥60 years from Nanchang city were recruited in this study. A 3‐year follow‐up test was carried out for all the participants to determine whether they turn to non‐SA. Developed questionnaires and physical fitness tests were used to obtain overall health condition, balance, agility, speed, reactions and gait. Four machine learning models (logistic regression, deep learning, random forest and gradient boosting decision tree) were applied to develop the prediction models, the analyzed sample was 890. Results: The baseline prevalence of successful aging was 26.99%, The average annual incidence rate of SA to non‐SA was 11.04%. There were significant differences between the SA and non‐SA groups for all physical fitness tests at baseline. The accuracy and area under the curve of all four machine learning models was >85%, the positive predictive value and sensitivity was >75%, and the specificity was >86% on the average. The deep learning model outperformed the other model, with area under the curve 90.00%, accuracy 89.3%, positive predictive value 85.8% and specificity 93.1%, respectively. Compared with other models, the logistic regression model performed best in sensitivity. Age, arm curl, 30‐s sit‐to‐stand and reaction time were important predictors in all models. Conclusion: The deep learning model is ideal in the prediction of SA maintenance, and the corresponding physical fitness interventions are essential to ensuring SA. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2020; ••: ••–••. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Urbanization represents a significant population trend, and a longer life expectancy increases the number of older people living in cities. Aging can intensify urbanization and urban design challenges. Parks or public open spaces are settings within the neighborhood that can support older people to live an active lifestyle. This study examined associations between the number of and distance to parks and physical activity levels and sedentary behavior patterns among a sample of 276 older adults in Japan. Physical activity levels and sedentary behavior patterns were objectively measured using accelerometer devices. Park measures, including distance to the nearest and second nearest park and the count of parks within network-based buffers of 800 m and 1600 m from home, were calculated using a geographic information system (GIS) software. We found that the number of parks within a 1600 m buffer from participants' homes was associated with more breaks in sedentary behavior. This finding suggests that proximity to parks may be important to increase breaks in sedentary behavior among older adults. We found no significant associations between the selected park characteristics and physical activity. Our research adds to the evidence from the less-explored Asian context among older adults, for whom strategies to support an active lifestyle are necessary to promote healthy aging. • Further evidence on the association of park accessibility and sedentary patterns. • Highly dense environments can impact the availability of free outdoor spaces. • Higher number of parks can contribute to breaking up prolonged sitting. • Park proximity was not associated with Japanese older adults' physical activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem The measures for long-term care prevention that the Japanese government had introduced in 2006 were unsuccessful because of the failures to identify high-risk individuals and to enrol enough participants in the community prevention programme. Approach The Japanese government shifted its primary strategy from a high-risk strategy to a community-based population strategy in 2015, by reforming the Long-term Care Insurance Act. This act is focusing on community-based care and social determinants of health. The Act and the government's plans for long-term care prevention are inspired by a social participation intervention called ikoino saron, that is gathering salons for people older than 65 years. These salons, managed by local volunteers, are held once or twice a month in communal spaces within walking distance of community members' homes and have a low participation fee. At the gatherings, older people can meet and interact with others through enjoyable, relaxing and sometimes educational programmes. Local setting Japan has the world's largest ageing population, with 27.7% (35.2 million/126.7 million) of people older than 65 years. Relevant changes Studies have shown that participation in the salons was associated with a halved incidence in long-term care needs and about one-third reduction in the risk of dementia onset. Evidence also suggests that financially vulnerable older adults were more likely to participate in such interventions. In 2017, 86.5% (1506/1741) of the Japanese municipalities had implemented the salons. Lessons learnt Integrated care for long-term care prevention should consider interventions targeting the whole community in addition to high-risk individuals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High self-rated health and general self-efficacy were associated with young self-perceived age. • Personality of extraversion or openness were associated with young self-perceived age. • Disease burden, depression score and fall history were not associated with self-perceived age. For the elderly, maintaining a young self-perceived age has a positive impact on physical and mental health. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of the discrepancy between self-perceived age and chronological age in regards to physical activity, instrumental activities of daily living, functional capacity, personality, general self-efficacy, depressive symptoms, and disease burden. Participants were 3094 older adults from 2015 baseline data of the Keeping Active across Generations Uniting the Youth and the Aged study. The questionnaire was mailed to 8004 elderly people aged 65 years or older. Of the 3871 people who returned the questionnaire (collection rate, 48.3%), 3094 subjects were analyzed in this study (female, 52%). The questionnaire included aspects of physical activity, instrumental activity of daily living, functional capacity, personality traits, general self-efficacy, depressive symptoms, history of falls, fear of falling, communication with young people, medical history, and self-perceived age, as well as basic characteristics such as age, sex, living alone or not, and educational history. Regression analysis showed that the presence of high self-rated health, personality traits of extraversion and openness to experience, higher general self-efficacy, and the presence of fear of falling were positively associated with a younger self-perceived age. The results identified personality and psychological factors related to of self-perceived age in community-dwelling elderly people. Therefore, changes in personality traits and subjective health accompanying aging affect the self-perceived age, which may also affect the extension of healthy life expectancy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Social network sizes were significantly smaller in people with hearing impairment. • People with hearing impairment had fewer relationships with non-kin. • Hearing impairment may be associated with elderly people's social relationships. Hearing impairment (HI) is a major global health concern. In addition, social networks are important for healthy aging. This study aimed to examine the association between HI and social relationships. This study was conducted by the National Institute for Longevity Sciences as part of its Longitudinal Study of Aging with 1176 Japanese participants aged 60 years or older (mean age 71.0 ± 7.4). The convoy model was used to evaluate participants' network size. A pure-tone average hearing level (HL) of 0.5, 1, 2, and 4 kHz in the better ear >25 dB HL was defined as HI. Multivariate analysis was performed to assess the relationship between HI and the network size, adjusting for age, gender, years of education, presence of depressive symptoms, and higher-level functional capacity score. The mean network sizes across the three circles of the convoy model differed significantly by HI status (18.7 ± 0.4 in the no-HI group vs 17.0 ± 0.5 in the HI group, p = 0.003). In particular, the number of non-kin in the outer circle was significantly less in the HI group (4.1 ± 0.2 vs 3.3 ± 0.3, p = 0.004). The social network size was significantly smaller in the HI group. The outer circle of people to whom the individual feels less close and the number of non-kin were related to the presence of HI. Therefore, HI may be associated with elderly people's social relationships. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study examined the associations of time spent out of home with physical activity and sedentary behavior among middle-aged and older adults. A diary survey was conducted for 7 days with 157 adults to measure out-of-home time and working status. Time spent in sedentary behavior and levels of physical activity were measured using an accelerometer. After a year, 137 individuals from the original sample participated in a follow-up survey. From the daily analyses of 535 non-working days and 347 working days, multilevel models revealed that on non-working days, more out-of-home time was associated with less sedentary time and higher levels of physical activity at both within- and between-person levels. Longitudinal analyses of non-working days supported these results. However, on working days, similar associations were not revealed by daily or longitudinal analyses. These results suggest that increasing out-of-home time could contribute to increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behavior on non-working days. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Household is an important physical activity resource in older adults' daily life. • Older adults' HPA and SWB had a positive association. • Engaging in HPA is a good approach for increasing old adults' self-rated health. • HPA is recommended for old couples to maintain marital satisfaction. • Older adults living in China and South Korea had higher HPA than others. Engaging in lifelong physical activity has multiple health benefits for older populations. Household physical activity occupies older adults' awake time, and they can be an important energy expenditure during the day. The purpose of this study was to investigate the association between older adults' household physical activity and subjective well-being in four East Asian societies. The study design was a secondary data analysis. Data were retrieved from the module of Families 2016 in the database of the East Asian Social Survey. Participants were community-dwelling older adults with a mean age of 70.30±7.50 years and who lived in China, Japan, Korea, and Taiwan. Data were collected by interviews via structured questionnaires between 2016 and 2018. Descriptive analyses, independent t -tests, and an analysis of covariance were performed for the statistical analyses. In total, there were 3,432 valid responses. Participants who lived in Taiwan had significantly lower levels of total household physical activity than those living in other societies. Older adults' household physical activity was found to significantly differ by age, educational degree, gender, religion, marital status, occupation, and whether living alone. Older adults with high levels of household physical activity had significantly higher self-rated health and marital satisfaction than those with low levels. Household physical activity has potential benefits for subjective well-being across international older adult populations. Increasing household physical activity is recommended for older married couples to maintain marital satisfaction. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Globally, the population of older adults has greatly increased, and active aging-whereby older adults can live healthy and fulfilling lives-is considered crucial for a sustainable society. However, the concept and practice of active aging are highly debated because it is unclear how people perceive active aging. This study explored Japanese people's attitudes toward active aging (ATAA) and examined the associations between ATAA scores and sociodemographic variables, views on older adults, and self-rated life and health., Methods: This study used data obtained from an online survey that originally targeted adults of all generations in Taiwan, South Korea, and Japan. In this study, we used only data from Japanese participants to elaborate on factors associated with ATAA in Japan. We conducted a one-way analysis of variance test and multiple linear regression analysis to evaluate the associations between the ATAA scores of 506 Japanese individuals and sociodemographic variables, views on older adults, and self-rated life and health., Results: The sample comprised 171 females and 335 males. The mean (± SD) ATAA score of the 506 respondents was 138.8 (± 20.80). Females had a significantly higher ATAA score than males (144.02 versus 136.13, F = 26.29, p < 0.001). The respondents with higher education attainment, religious beliefs, better views on older adults, and better self-rated health were more likely to have a positive ATAA score (B: 3.83, 95% CI: 0.11, 7.56; B: 4.31, 95% CI: 0.93, 7.69; B: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.61, 2.53; B: 2.87, 95% CI: 0.92, 4.82, respectively). Being male, single (i.e., never married, divorced, or widowed) and other non-married marital statuses, and satisfied with one's financial condition were negatively associated with ATAA (B: -8.73, 95% CI: -12.49, -4.96; B: -5.47, 95% CI: -9.07, -1.86; B: -2.04, 95% CI: -3.99, -0.09, respectively)., Conclusions: This study identified that females have more positive ATAA than males. Better views on older adults are a possible contributing factor that promotes ATAA among Japanese people. Our findings provide useful evidence that an approach towards those who are male, single, and economically satisfied is needed so that they have a positive attitude toward aging in Japan. It is necessary to address ageism and develop an environment in which individuals can expect to age actively., (© 2024. The Author(s).)

Japan has the most aged population in the world. Not only do people live longer in Japan, they also age better. While the ageing population reflects a success story driven by lifestyle factors and health promotion initiatives, it also results in challenges for policymakers, families and older people. Other countries with ageing population profiles, such as the UK, can learn from the Japanese experience. In this article, the authors focus on the potential of health promotion strategies, social connections and technology to enhance well-being in older age. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Text: Information and Communication Technology (ICT) use has penetrated the daily lives of individuals as well as the activities of public organizations. We examined the cross-sectional association between ICT use and participation in community support activities in the elderly aged 65-74 for building community social capital in the current active aging policy of Japan. Methods Text: The target population was all residents aged 65-74 years without disabilities in a municipality, Japan. The self-administered questionnaires were mailed to 5,163 individuals in 2018. A Total of 2,283 persons responded (response rate, 44.2%). Participants provided information on basic characteristics, ICT use, and intention to participate in community support activities for the elderly. Results Text: A total of 1,089 (47.7%) persons showed positive intention to participate in community support activities for the elderly. Respondents who used a smartphone daily were 768 (33.6%). The proportion of participants with positive intention to participate in community support activities was 55.9% for those who used smartphones daily, whereas 42.8% for those who did not. Respondents who used the website, LINE, or QR codes were more likely to participate in community support activities than those who did not. Conclusions Text: Elderly people who utilize ICT frequently were more likely to participate in community support activities. ICT use among the elderly may be useful for building relationships of mutual assistance in the community. Key messages Text: ICT helps mutual assistance among the elderly in communities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Abstract Template is flexible to accommodate Empirical Results or Narrative style submission types. First, determine whether your presentation content fits within the Empirical Results style or Narrative style. Next, remove the section from the below template that does not fit your submission type and complete the appropriate section of the template accordingly. Please ensure that you follow the below format and instructions for your submission. Background Text: 'Ikigai', subjective well-being which is the Japanese concept to a good life plays important role for a long and active aging. We examined the cross-sectional association between 'Ikigai' and participation in community support activities in the elderly aged 65-74 for building community social capital in the current active aging policy of Japan. Methods Text: The target population was all residents aged 65-74 years without disabilities in a municipality, Japan. The self-administered questionnaires were mailed to 5,163 individuals in 2018. A Total of 2,283 persons responded (response rate, 44.2%). Participants provided information on basic characteristics, 'Ikigai', perceived health, and intention to participate in community support activities for the elderly, the children care, and the disabled. Results Text: A total of 1,089 (47.7%) persons showed positive intention to participate in community support activities for the elderly. Respondents who had 'Ikigai' were 1,796 (78.7%). Respondents who had 'Ikigai' were more likely to participate in community support activities for the elderly than those who did not. The same trends were shown in community support activities for the children care or the disabled. Conclusions Text: Elderly people who had 'Ikigai' were more likely to participate in community support activities. 'Ikigai' may have an important role for making mutual ties and good life for active aging in the community. Key messages Text: 'Ikigai' may have an important role for active aging in the community. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigates the factors influencing seniors’ travel behaviors. One-hundred-ninety-three community-dwelling seniors in a Japanese city participated in a questionnaire survey. Twenty-one of them shared their travel experiences in interviews. Statistical analyses reveal gender differences in factors determining travel frequency. Qualitative analyses identify gender specific mobility adaptations in two domains: changes in social environments and maintaining means of travel. Men tend to focus on maintaining a driver's license, representing their social role as a provider, while women relate to adjustment to widowhood and travel safety. The results provide direction for community planning to promote active aging. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

Objective: This study explored factors related to cognition of social capital among Japanese older people. Method: Using a cross-sectional survey design, data were gathered from 940 people aged over 65 years. Cognition of social capital was compared by gender, and it was regressed on participation in community activities and health behaviors of middle age and current health status. Results: Men had higher cognitive social capital than women (p = .004). Multiple regression analysis shows that men who rested for health during middle age had high cognition of social capital. Cognition of social capital was also related to self-rated health, depression, and cognitive difficulties for both men and women. Daily activity was included among women. Discussion: Participation in community activities and health behaviors during middle age were associated factors for cognition of social capital among the older people, and encouraging cognition of social capital was important for active aging. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the International Life Science Institute of Japan (ILSI Japan) has established in 1981 as the Japanese branch of the ILSI, headquarters have located in Washington, U.S. Topics include the theme "Future of healthcare by precision nutrition," discussed new technologies such as artificial intelligence and big data; and the "Nutrition Summit" has to be held in 2020, the same year as the Tokyo, Japan, Olympics and Paralympics.

Japan's population is aging at an alarming rate, which is having a tremendous impact on the current employment system. This paper defines the post-retirement life stage as the second career-development period, ranging from the middle-aged years to the senior years. During this latter half of their lives, people are actively committed to developing their careers. This paper analyzes the varied views of the senior-age group in regard to their lifestyles and career development. The analysis has identified three conclusions. Firstly, in spite of the economic slowdown in the 1990s, those in the middle-to senior-age group regard their post-retirement lifestyles favorably, thus advancing a new post-retirement culture. Secondly, their post-retirement careers are varied, ranging from participation in volunteer activities to the establishment of new businesses. Thirdly. those who intend to become involved in volunteer activities or to establish new businesses after retirement, instead of continuing to work for the company they are currently working for. start to search out new contacts with people outside the company "ahead of their retirement date. In other words, some of those in the group stop being company-first employees before they retire. Based on these findings, this paper examines the varied post-retirement career development and active aging of the middle-to senior-age group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Active aging programs are seen as an important strategy for the long-term sustainability of Japan given population aging and fertility decline trends. This paper reviews Japan's commitment to active aging initiatives since the 1960s with a focus on the development of senior clubs, welfare centers for the elderly and senior colleges. The changing patterns of their popularity are discussed in relation to the increased options available today and the changes taking place in the family structure with both a macro historical review and a case study to demonstrate how programs have been implemented with national and local funding support. A description of the U.S. experience is used to demonstrate the comparative level of commitment that Japan has made to support healthy aging. The recrafting of the active aging motif as shogai gen'eki, with its emphasis on continued employment, may suggest a redirection of the preferred role of Japan's older adults in the future [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• Youngest cluster ages of detrital zircon U–Pb ages are within ranges of radiolarian age. • Deposition of sediments for youngest cluster ages was contemporaneous with magmatic events. • A youngest cluster age gives true depositional age in active continental arc sediments. The Cretaceous Shimanto accretionary complex in southwestern Japan consists mainly of trench-fill deposits and formed in an active continental margin setting along the East Asian margin. Here, we present U–Pb ages of detrital zircons from the complex and compare youngest detrital zircon ages obtained from trench-fill sandstones with true depositional ages inferred from radiolarian fossils to assess the accuracy of zircon ages for estimating the timing of deposition of the trench-fill sediments. Four different methods were used to calculate the youngest detrital zircon ages, giving four different measures: youngest single-grain age (YSG), weighted mean age of the youngest cluster overlapping in age at 1σ (YC1σ) or 2σ (YC2σ), and youngest cluster age estimated using the Mixture Models (auto) of the DensityPlotter program (YCM). The YSG and YC1σ show good agreement with true depositional ages for Albian–Cenomanian strata, which were deposited during weak magmatic activity, and we find no age gap between YC2σ and the true depositional age, but YCM is clearly older. For Turonian–Maastrichtian strata, which were deposited during a period of strong magmatism, YC2σ and YCM correspond to the true depositional ages, and there is no age gap between YC1σ and the true depositional age. However, YSG is clearly younger than the true depositional age for Turonian–Maastrichtian strata. These results indicate that YC1σ and YC2σ show the closest correspondence to the true depositional ages, which suggests that these two measures best represent the true depositional age of trench-fill deposits in an active continental margin. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]