1999 Volume 44 Issue 2 Pages 77-89
An attenpt was made to examine the "mind and body" transformation mechanism in elderly peopie using an "Onsen" bath, based on Yuasa's theory of mind and body. First, investigations into the actual conditions of elderly people in an Onsen were conducted, using various methods such as participant observations, records of conversations, interviews, questionnaires, and analyses of notes and life-history. Second, the theoretical significance of our findings was considered in relation to Yuasa's theory of three circuit systems. As a result, the following points were clarified: 1) Welfare (health/spa) centers for elderly people, bath houses and travel to Onsens satisfy the needs for health, involvement with friends, and fun of elderly people. The mind and body of elderly people using these Onsens relate mainly to Yuasa's first mind and body (information) system, that is the "external world sense-activity circuit system". 2) The "Onsen habit" of elderly people who live in Onsen areas is deeply internalized as a subconscious level, and use of the Onsen plays an important role in their daily living activities and in life itself. This attitude of mind and body is related mainly to the second information circuit system, i.e. "somesthesis" and "coenesthesis". 3) The sympathetic conformity with Onsen use, and the nature valued by "Toji" (hot spring cure) elderly people are related mainly to the deepest level of mind and body, i.e. the third information circuit system of the "emotion-instinct". This attitude enhances the function of the autonomic nervous system and stimulates their natural healing power through the system. 4) There is an individualistic value related directly to the mind and body of elderly people in the sensation of nature around an Onsen, i.e. the value of "life" or "longevity". This is the most important basic factor for the "raison de vinre" of elderly persons, and the source of that feeling.
