Abstract
This study analyzed the social activities of seniors in an area, using a welfare center for the elderly—a leisure facility for the seniors. The investigation also delved into the factors affecting social activities, factors that led to continued use of the welfare center, and factors that hindered its usage. This study also intended to understand the additional support required for the continued use of the welfare center by the elderly. A survey was conducted with 30 seniors who used the welfare center for the elderly through individual interviews with semi-structured questions. The Krippendorff content analysis method was employed to examine the results. In total, 402 codes, 18 subcategories, and 4 categories were extracted. The social activities of the seniors who frequently visited the welfare center for the elderly were categorized into “individual activities,” “social participation/volunteer activities,” “academic activities,” and “work.” It was found that the interpersonal relationships formed through the use of the center resulted in friendships and in active participation in social activities conducted in the area. It was suggested that providing activities that users enjoy, and events pertaining to personal health maintenance and management should be formulated for the continued use of the welfare center by the elderly. The center also requires social support to continue to facilitate events.
