Abstract
We conducted a questionnaire survey in order to examine qualities of the elderly who function as "managers" including club leaders and program leaders at senior citizens' clubs in Tokyo. A total of 509 elderly were assigned to a "managers" or "general participation" group and their qualities were compared. After cross tabulation analysis of categorical variables associated with health and activity conditions, we conducted multivariate regression analysis of significant variables. We found that being male was an important attribute associated with managers, and when taking the effect of age into account, no notable qualities in health conditions were apparent among active club members. Managers were active outside senior citizens' clubs, frequently participated in activities, and had friends that correlated in quantity with the frequency of activity participation. Furthermore, managers took on leadership roles outside senior citizens' clubs. They participated in various activities not passively but rather actively. While we initially considered that changes in activity conditions occurred among elderly in their 80's, those over 80 years of age were more likely to be general participants. The fact that general participants take part in activities through other members' invitation suggests that managers' role enhances peer-support among the elderly in communities
