A team of scientists conducted a study to examine the connection between economic insecurity and social activities among older adults in Japan. The results showed that economic insecurity was not associated with physical conditions, dementia symptoms, or social activities. However, it was linked to increased loneliness and decreased well-being. This sense of economic insecurity was prevalent among older adults participating in social activities, with nearly half of them feeling insecure about their finances. The study suggests that addressing economic concerns through social activities could improve mental health and overall well-being.
Statistics show that older adults in Japan account for a significant portion of the suicide mortality rate, with health problems being a common cause of suicide among this age group. Frailty, a state of increased vulnerability to health changes due to aging, is associated with low income. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare encourages older adults to engage in social activities to prevent frailty and suicide. The team’s study highlights the importance of understanding and addressing economic insecurity among older adults participating in social activities to improve mental health outcomes and prevent frailty.
The team conducted a cross-sectional survey of older adults participating in low-cost community-based social activities in Hiroshima City. The survey aimed to identify factors related to economic insecurity among older adults and assess its impact on well-being. The results indicated that economic insecurity was prevalent among older adults participating in social activities, and was higher among those who felt lonely and had lower subjective well-being. The study suggests that addressing economic concerns through social activities tailored to the age and mental health needs of older adults could improve their quality of life.
While the study focused on subjective economic insecurity, the team notes that further research is needed to explore the association between actual income and expenses among older adults. Longitudinal and intervention studies involving objective indicators are necessary to validate the findings and understand the impact of economic insecurity on mental health outcomes. Additionally, analyzing background factors related to loneliness and well-being, such as the level of social support and intimacy, could provide further insights into the relationship between economic insecurity and mental well-being among older adults.
The research team’s findings have implications for healthcare providers promoting community-based social participation among older adults. Tailored support addressing age, psychological, and economic insecurities could improve mental health outcomes and overall quality of life for older adults. The study was funded by the France Bed Medical Home Care Research Subsidy Public Incorporated Foundation and Hiroshima University Research Fellowship. The team’s recommendations for future research include exploring objective indicators of economic insecurity and analyzing factors related to loneliness and well-being in older adults participating in social activities.