Successful Aging in a Rural Community in Japan

Successful Aging in a Rural Community in Japan
Author: Kimiko Tanaka
Publisher:
Total Pages: 190
Release: 2021
Genre: Aging
ISBN: 9781531018610

"This book discusses the aging populations in rural Japan. The plan of the book is as follows: In Chapter 1, we describe how rural Japan has changed socially and demographically. We explain how rural depopulation has led to political consolidation, and how the welfare system in Japan is placing more responsibility and autonomy on the municipalities. Some rural towns in Japan, such as Kawanehonchō, are actively responding to the demographic challenges initiated by municipal governments that have the advantage of developing unique programs reflecting the voices of local residents. Chapter 2 describes Kawanehonchō, explains how it became a rural depopulated town, and discusses why the town provides an important example to understand and discuss rural aging comparatively. In Chapter 3, we review theoretical frameworks (collective efficacy theory and social capital) to understand the inseparability of successful aging from the quality of neighborhoods and communities. We explain our research methods in Chapter 4. In Chapter 5, we examine Kawanehonchō with secondary data. Chapter 6 summarizes the findings based on observations of activities provided for the elderly in this town, and Chapter 7 sheds light on rural aging through the eyes and words of its leaders. Chapter 8 presents our findings from our survey of elders participating in two community programs developed locally and specifically for them. Finally, in Chapter 9, we discuss the possibility of net inmigration of older adults to Kawanehonchō, and Chapter 10 includes discussions on challenges in rural depopulation and healthy aging"--

Handbook of Rural Aging

Handbook of Rural Aging
Author: Lenard W. Kaye
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 511
Release: 2021-03-24
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1000334368

The Handbook of Rural Aging goes beyond the perspective of a narrow range of health professions, disciplines, and community services that serve older adults in rural America to encompass the full range of perspectives and issues impacting the communities in which rural older adults live. Touching on such topics as work and voluntarism, technology, transportation, housing, the environment, social participation, and the delivery of health and community services, this reference work addresses the full breadth and scope of factors impacting the lives of rural elders with contributions from recognized scholars, administrators, and researchers. This Handbook buttresses a widespread movement to garner more attention for rural America in policy matters and decisions, while also elevating awareness of the critical circumstances facing rural elders and those who serve them. Merging demographic, economic, social, cultural, health, environmental, and political perspectives, it will be an essential reference source for library professionals, researchers, educators, students, program and community administrators, and practitioners with a combined interest in rural issues and aging.

Aging in Asia

Aging in Asia
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 486
Release: 2012-07-31
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0309254094

The population of Asia is growing both larger and older. Demographically the most important continent on the world, Asia's population, currently estimated to be 4.2 billion, is expected to increase to about 5.9 billion by 2050. Rapid declines in fertility, together with rising life expectancy, are altering the age structure of the population so that in 2050, for the first time in history, there will be roughly as many people in Asia over the age of 65 as under the age of 15. It is against this backdrop that the Division of Behavioral and Social Research at the U.S. National Institute on Aging (NIA) asked the National Research Council (NRC), through the Committee on Population, to undertake a project on advancing behavioral and social research on aging in Asia. Aging in Asia: Findings from New and Emerging Data Initiatives is a peer-reviewed collection of papers from China, India, Indonesia, Japan, and Thailand that were presented at two conferences organized in conjunction with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Indian National Science Academy, Indonesian Academy of Sciences, and Science Council of Japan; the first conference was hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences in Beijing, and the second conference was hosted by the Indian National Science Academy in New Delhi. The papers in the volume highlight the contributions from new and emerging data initiatives in the region and cover subject areas such as economic growth, labor markets, and consumption; family roles and responsibilities; and labor markets and consumption.

Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults

Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults
Author: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 317
Release: 2020-05-14
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0309671035

Social isolation and loneliness are serious yet underappreciated public health risks that affect a significant portion of the older adult population. Approximately one-quarter of community-dwelling Americans aged 65 and older are considered to be socially isolated, and a significant proportion of adults in the United States report feeling lonely. People who are 50 years of age or older are more likely to experience many of the risk factors that can cause or exacerbate social isolation or loneliness, such as living alone, the loss of family or friends, chronic illness, and sensory impairments. Over a life course, social isolation and loneliness may be episodic or chronic, depending upon an individual's circumstances and perceptions. A substantial body of evidence demonstrates that social isolation presents a major risk for premature mortality, comparable to other risk factors such as high blood pressure, smoking, or obesity. As older adults are particularly high-volume and high-frequency users of the health care system, there is an opportunity for health care professionals to identify, prevent, and mitigate the adverse health impacts of social isolation and loneliness in older adults. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults summarizes the evidence base and explores how social isolation and loneliness affect health and quality of life in adults aged 50 and older, particularly among low income, underserved, and vulnerable populations. This report makes recommendations specifically for clinical settings of health care to identify those who suffer the resultant negative health impacts of social isolation and loneliness and target interventions to improve their social conditions. Social Isolation and Loneliness in Older Adults considers clinical tools and methodologies, better education and training for the health care workforce, and dissemination and implementation that will be important for translating research into practice, especially as the evidence base for effective interventions continues to flourish.

Providing Healthy and Safe Foods As We Age

Providing Healthy and Safe Foods As We Age
Author: Institute of Medicine
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 192
Release: 2010-11-29
Genre: Medical
ISBN: 0309158834

Does a longer life mean a healthier life? The number of adults over 65 in the United States is growing, but many may not be aware that they are at greater risk from foodborne diseases and their nutritional needs change as they age. The IOM's Food Forum held a workshop October 29-30, 2009, to discuss food safety and nutrition concerns for older adults.

Aging in Rural Places

Aging in Rural Places
Author: Elaine T. Jurkowski, MSW, PhD
Publisher: Springer Publishing Company
Total Pages: 336
Release: 2014-09-08
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 0826198112

Research documents that rural elders are poorer, live in less adequate housing, and have far fewer health and service options available to them than their urban counterparts, yet there is a critical lack of current and detailed information on the problems facing rural elders and on the professional practices that serve this population. This text fills this gap by introducing readers to rural areas and their residents and discussing the issues, programs, and policies designed to meet their needs. Through a multidisciplinary lens, it examines and defines specific competencies required for successful work with older adults and their families in these communities. The text presents a research-driven, competency-based approach for the health and human service professionals who work with older rural residents. It discusses both the problems facing older adults and their families and evidence-based solutions regarding policy and best practices. Key issues examined include health and wellness, transportation, housing, long-term care, income, employment, and retirement, along with the needs of special populations (ethnic minorities, immigrants, and the LGBT population). Case examples reinforce an interdisciplinary model that addresses practice with rural elders that encompasses professional competencies, values and ethics, and the roles of a spectrum of health and human service professionals. The text also examines current policies affecting health and social services to rural elders and recommendations for policy change to build an effective health and human service workforce in rural communities. Links to Podcast interviews with scholars and respected professionals working in the field and "Spotlight" excerpts from the text reinforce information. In addition, the text provides discussion questions, PowerPoint slides, a test question bank, and suggested activities and exercises. Key Features: Fills a vacuum regarding information on health and social services for rural elders Provides current and comprehensive knowledge about issues besetting this population and programs and policies designed to meet their needs Examines and defines specific competencies required for effective health and social services Based on a research-driven, competency-based, interdisciplinary approach to policy and best practice Includes links to Podcast interviews with scholars and respected professionals in the field

Rural Society In The U.s.

Rural Society In The U.s.
Author: Don A Dillman
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 399
Release: 2019-07-11
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1000310507

Must rural Americans pay the price of urban progress and modern lifestyles? How will the increased pressures of the 1980s affect those who live and work in rural communities? In addressing these overriding questions the authors of this book take a serious look at such issues as who will operate our farms and how those farms will meet rising demands for food, how higher energy costs will change life in rural areas, the current and future needs of rural families and their communities, who in fact lives in these communities, and what can be done about escalating rural crime and recent social changes that have disrupted the traditional patterns of rural society. Because the United States is an interdependent system of rural and urban, of providers and consumers, these issues are vitally important to all-scholars, policy makers, and citizens alike. The contributors bring us up to date on the contemporary rural scene and offer suggestions for research essential to intelligent decision making about the challenges and problems the 1980s hold in store for rural America.

Ageing in India

Ageing in India
Author: Moneer Alam
Publisher: Academic Foundation
Total Pages: 298
Release: 2006
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9788171885350

The socioeconomic, health, and public-policy aspects of aging in India are presented in this study that draws on empirical research to assess the country’s preparedness. This analysis argues that many of the fundamental issues that need to be addressed by a country with a large aging population are not fully understood by public agencies. A number of policy options for the welfare of the growing number of elderly, particularly women, are proposed.

Rural ageing

Rural ageing
Author: Keating, Norah C
Publisher: Policy Press
Total Pages: 169
Release: 2008-05-14
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1847424031

This important book addresses a growing international interest in 'age-friendly' communities. It examines the conflicting stereotypes of rural communities as either idyllic and supportive or isolated and bereft of services. Providing detailed information on the characteristics of rural communities, contributors ask the question, 'good places for whom'? The book extends our understanding of the intersections of rural people and places across the adult lifecourse. Taking a critical human ecology perspective, authors trace lifecourse changes in community and voluntary engagement and in the availability of social support. They illustrate diversity among older adults in social inclusion and in the types of services that are essential to their well being. For the first time, detailed information is provided on characteristics of rural communities that make them supportive to different groups of older adults. Comparisons between the UK and North America highlight similarities in how landscapes create rural identities, and fundamental differences in how climate, distance and rural culture shape the everyday lives of older adults. Rural ageing is a valuable resource for students, academics and practitioners interested in communities, rural settings and ageing and the lifecourse. Rich in national profiles and grounded in the narratives of older adults, it provides theoretical, empirical and practical examples of growing old in rural communities never before presented.

Rural Social Work Practice

Rural Social Work Practice
Author: Nancy Lohmann
Publisher: Columbia University Press
Total Pages: 371
Release: 2008
Genre: Political Science
ISBN: 0231129335

Featuring contributions from practitioners, researchers, and academics, this volume synthesizes and analyzes current trends in rural social work practice and considers the most effective ways to serve rural communities. Contributors consider the history and development of rural social work from its beginnings to the present day, addressing the value of the Internet and other new information technologies in helping clients. They also examine the effects of nonprofit organizations and welfare reform on poor rural areas. Coverage of specific client populations and fields of practice includes services for rural mental healthcare; the chronically mentally ill; healthcare for minorities; and the challenges faced by the elderly in rural areas. The contributors also consider issues affecting gays and lesbians living in rural communities and the role of religiosity and social support in the well-being of HIV/AIDS clients. The book concludes with a consideration of the unique issues associated with educating social workers for rural practice.