Abstract
In this paper, I analyze the life structure of the aged in a depopulated area using results of social
surveys conducted in 1996 and 2007. In the Nakatsue-mura area, 1) the overall population is decreasing
significantly, 2) proportion of aged in the population is increasing, and 3) families of the aged have fewer
members; consequently, their circumstances are rather difficult in the present family structure. I study the
daily lives of the aged in Nakatsue-mura area and the manner in which their circumstances have changed
in the period under study.
Two factors are indicated with regard to the continuance of the daily lives of the aged in a
depopulated area: 1) They have been engaged in agriculture for a long period of time, and they are
conscious that their work is their mainstay. 2) They have been continuously participating in community
activities since they were young; therefore, their social roles and life structure is based on this
participation.
A comparison of the results of the surveys conducted in 1996 and 2007 reveals that transportation
facilities, shopping facilities, and social welfare services have worsened, and this has worsened the
prospects for the future of the community. Moreover, there was a reduction in the participation rate from
area groups, which was caused by the decrease in overall population, increase in the proportion of the
aged, and dissolution of the groups themselves because of municipal mergers. Although activities for
maintaining villages are relatively continuous, I propose to be cautious regarding the loss of social roles
of the aged and isolation of the depopulated villages.
