2025 Volume 28 Issue 1 Pages 41-50
Objective: This study examined the mutual-aid activities and thoughts of middle-aged and older residents caring for children in a detached housing complex located in a hilly suburban area. This study aimed to suggest supporting mutual-aid activities as community development.
Methods: We conducted interviews with individuals aged over 50 years who lived in housing complex X in City A. The data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive methods.
Results: The sample comprised 12 participants（mean age＝66.3 years）. Three categories of mutual-aid activities were generated: building familiarity and trust through repeated greetings and watching over the children; providing conditions that allow children to engage in desired activities ; passing on skills and experience to the children. Furthermore, six categories of thoughts on mutual-aid activities were generated: hoping for appropriate support from residents’ associations and local governments; hoping to restart previous activities with volunteers; wanting to promote community development activities that bring out the housing complexes’ attractiveness.
Discussion: Mutual-aid activities while caring for children are based on the developmental task of Generativity in middle age. These activities require positive responses from children and encouragement from their parents. The participants hoped to maintain the bonds formed through mutual-aid activities and rebuild previous connections with acquaintances, while aiming for activities that contribute to community development. Collaboration with nearby schools and the local government could help to achieve these goals. The local government should respect residents’ potential, engage in continuous dialogue with them, and provide support to promote community development.
