The Older Resident’s Intention and the Way of Being Monitored in a Metropolitan City

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to clarify the desire to be monitored and way of being monitored among older residents.

Methods: The participants were residents aged 65 and older from a metropolitan city. Anonymous questionnaires on information regarding demographics, interactions within a community, being monitored, expectations and anxiety regarding monitoring, intention of being monitored, and desired monitoring partner were distributed to all households within the neighborhood associations that agreed to participate. The data were analyzed using a chi-square test and Fisher’s exact test. Significance level was 5%.

Results: A total of 526 questionnaires were returned (valid sample was 511). Results suggested that 74.0% older residents wanted to be monitored. Older residents who wanted to be monitored by neighborhood members had a significantly higher rates of “getting relief” and “connection.” Older residents who wanted to be monitored by health care professionals had significantly higher rates of “maintaining their lives.” Older residents who wanted to be monitored by life support services or systems had significantly higher rates of “being interfering” and “not being able to trust others.”

Discussion: It is thought that the older residents decide the way of being monitored based on expectation and worry considering their relationship with the person.