Delivery of Community-based Social Services to Senior Citizens Livingin Aging Communities in Underpopulated Mountainous Areas

Case Study ofYasuoka Village, Nagano Prefecture

Abstract

The purpose of this paper is to investigate the current conditions and problems regarding the delivery of community-based social services to senior citizens living in aging communities in underpopulated mountainous areas. Based on an actual case study of senior citizens living in such areas, we clarify the conditions necessary to permit these citizens to live independently at home. The results of the research also provide suggestions for support services that will permit these citizens to maintain their independent lifestyles on a continuous basis. Unstructured face-to-face interviews were conducted in order to elicit free and unbiased responses.