Abstract
The purpose of this study was to elucidate the significance of interactions with others for elderly women who live alone and need support, and who do not participate in group activities. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five elderly women who had support need level 2, and their responses were analyzed using a qualitative synthesis method (KJ method). Interactions of these elderly women that were classified as 'interactions of approval' for a positive sense of self were as follows: "the pleasure of being able to do something for loved ones"; "the importance of an unaltered relationship with loved ones"; "the sense of security obtained from the comfortable and mutually-trusting relationship that has been created" "self-confidence in current interactions that reflect their past experiences". Conversely, interactions that were classified as "interactions to face death" for finding a way to confront death in one's own way were as follows: "spending time with friends to enjoy life to the fullest"; and "the conflicts and preparation for death realized through the aging process and the death of loved ones". It was considered that the elderly women requiring support were assimilating their own aging identities through interactions with the persons whom they selected. For future support, it was considered to be important to re-examine the current significance of the interactions and effectively maintain and develop it.
