R&D PROJECTS

Project Overview

High risk of social isolation and loneliness among older adults in Japan due to lack of interaction with family and neighbors

Currently, increasing portion of older adults live alone in Japan. Compared to those in other countries, Japanese older adults have less interaction with their children living separately, and less social interaction with neighbors. This tendency is particularly strong among those living in rental housings in urban areas, and thus raising the risk of social isolation and loneliness. In recent years, Japanese society experienced numbers of large-scale disasters such as earthquakes and flooding, drawing attention once again to the importance of neighborhood networks. At the same time, the results of a nationwide random sampling survey have shown that neighborhood relationships are related to the well-being of older adults. However, in reality, neighborhood disputes are a common occurrence, and interpersonal connections in neighborhood communities are becoming weaker in general.

Fostering Resilience and Forming Real/Virtual Community Networks Through Lifelong Education

The goals of this project can be broadly categorized into five parts. First, it aims to clarify the correlations between social isolation/loneliness and mental/physical health. This will be achieved by conducting longitudinal multimodal measurements of questionnaire surveys, interview surveys, motor function, emotion-related hormones, cognitive function, etc., and by evaluating the effectiveness of the project based on scientific evidence. Second, by holding “Waigaya Forum” events and conducting lifelong education through “Waigaya College,” it aims to promote interactions among residents and form community networks. These community networks will include both face-to-face interactions and virtual connections through the use of ICT, thus building multilayered networks that encompass both real and virtual aspects. Third, by implementing lifelong education through “Waigaya College,” the project seeks to enhance resilience in preparation for an era of 100-year lifespans. Fourth, it aims to create leaders who will support future communities through formation of community networks and lifelong learning that enhances resilience. Fifth, by building a model to predict isolation, the project aims to calculate the risk of future isolation and provide advice on how to prevent it.

Q&A

Please tell us more about the social vision this project aims to achieve for the primary prevention of social isolation and loneliness.

Conventionally, people have been protected by the strong bonds of blood relations and local ties, but the increasing individualization within families and the disintegration of local communities have led to a rise in the risk of social isolation and loneliness. It is not possible to intervene in family relationships, and the broadening of living areas only makes it more difficult for families to live in close proximity. On the other hand, neighborhood relationships are vital at times of disaster and for everyday life. By creating loose networks in local communities and neighborhood relationships with a degree of distance appropriate for the current era, this project aims to build local communities that prevent people from falling into isolation or loneliness.

What are the biggest challenges (bottlenecks) in achieving the social vision above?

This project aims to create a manual that will be useful in fostering loose communities in urban and suburban housing complexes, with the hope that similar efforts can be implemented in other areas. In order to achieve this, it is necessary to obtain support from the government and businesses. To persuade them, it is essential to scientifically verify the effectiveness of this project. Unfortunately, at this time (April 2024), there is little interest among residents in measuring the effectiveness of the project, and we have not been able to secure enough participants to cooperate with the survey.

Participating/Cooperating Institutions

• Advanced Research Center for Well-being, Kobe University, Graduate School of Human Development and Environment, Kobe University, Center for Mathematical and Data Sciences, Kobe University, Graduate school of Engineering, Kobe University, Kobe University Center for Social Systems Innovation, Office of Research Management, Institute of Promoting Academic Research Programs, Kobe University, Hyogo Housing Management Department of West Japan Branch Office, Urban Renaissance Agency, YY Café, Council of Commissioners of Social Welfare and Children’s Affairs, Tsurukabuto District, Nada Ward, Kobe, Rokko Maya “Anshin Sukoyaka” official, DESIGN AND CREATIVE CENTER KOBE, W Inc., and others.

Project Website and Others

• Katagiri Lab. Web site

Report

• FY2022 Research and Development Report (Japanese) (PDF: 2,007KB)
• Small Start Period Research and Development Report (Japanese) (PDF: 4,754KB)