Abstract
The aim of this study is to clarify the activities of "Fureai-ikiiki Community Salon" in Uji City and to investigate the factors to help sustain this type of community clubs. We made a hearing investigation of the salon management, observed the salon activities, and conducted a questionnaire survey of its senior users or members. Thirty percent of the users are senior citizens of over 75 years of age who live alone or with their spouses. The users attend nearly all meetings seeking communication or friendly interchange of information. In other words, the salon activities have become part of their life. There are various types of salons in Japan depending on an openness to respective community and the nature of their users. The salon has its worthiness in improving the users'quality of life and offering safeguards to the emergency of not only its users but also non-users who tend to isolate themselves from community activities. As the salons play the role of community centers, it is desirable hat they should be included in the meeting plans of respective regional administration. It is, therefore, required that the meeting facilities of a salon such as seating based on chair should be planned with senior citizens in mind, and the interior design should offer warmth and comfort for social gathering.
