Abstract
Objective: We provided support to develop community activity groups for retired men and investigated factors related to promotion of group activities based on the progress of their activities.
Methods: In 2007 and 2008, we conducted a program for men aged 55 to 65 years to develop groups that would enable them to strengthen ties to the community through activities. We followed the progress of group activities through participant observation of activities and interviews with group members, and summarized the progress of activities. Factors related to promotion of group activities were identified based on the progress of activities.
Results: A total of 19 of 23 applicants in 2007 and 12 of 12 applicants in 2008 participated continuously in the program. After the program in 2007 and 2008, each group was established as the participants hoped to continue the group activities.
The following five facilitating factors of the group activities were identified during the activities: (1) Getting to know each other well without minding titles, (2) Pursuit of challenges that are within reach and recognition of their outcomes, (3) The freedom and joy, (4) Exchanges and collaborations with various organizations, and (5) Having a base of operation. Obtaining a sufficient number of members was considered an issue for future group activities.
Conclusion: We identified five facilitating factors to promote group activities and need for obtaining more members as issue for future group activities.
