Abstract
In rural and fishing villages, particularly in the northeastern regions of Japan, the traditional social activity "OCHANOMI" is one means of maintaining social relationships between elderly individuals. Local governments are utilizing "OCHANOMI" in community-based health activities for the elderly. However, very few studies have investigated the effects of "OCHANOMI". The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of "OCHANOMI" on elderly individuals, aged between 65 and 74 years, with regard to social support, subjective well-being, and results of social exchanges. Questionnaires were mailed to 1,000 randomly chosen elderly individuals (aged 65-74 years) living in T town of M prefecture, Japan. Valid responses were obtained from 703 individuals. The results were as follows : 1) Those who participated in "OCHANOMI" were 67.9% of 703 subjects, and those who participated in "OCHANOMI" between 3 and 4days a month were most (23.1%) prevalent. 2) The results of multivariate analysis showed that participating in "OCHANOMI" was positively correlated with the emotional and instrumental support from friends, neighbors and acquaintances. Additionally, participating in "OCHANOMI" was positively correlated with positive outcomes from social exchanges, but participating in "OCHANOMI" was not correlated with subjective well-being. 3) "OCHANOMI" was confirmed to be a positive factor in social relationships of the present subjects.
