Difficulties of newcomer Korean elderly living in Japan and obstacles to access to social welfare services

Abstract

  This study was conducted through interviews of 15 newcomer women Korean elderly living in Japan. The author investigated difficulties faced by newcomer Korean elderly living in Japan and the means of resolving difficulties, and considered obstacles to access to social welfare services. A qualitative data analysis was carried out and the following difficulties were identified: “difficulties and anxiety due to language barriers”, “anxiety and difficulties related to status of residence”, “difficulties and anxiety due to health problems”, “difficulties due to a financially precarious circumstance”, “isolation due to poor social connections” and “psychological anxiety and difficulties as a foreigner living in another country”. The following means of resolving difficulties were identified: “support and help from acquaintances”, “counseling and help from Korean social work professionals” and “help of local administration and hospitals”. Considering the results, there were the following 3 obstacles to access to social welfare services: difficulty accessing information due to communication problems, insufficient consultation support system, the recognition of newcomer Korean elderly living in Japan and weak networks with communities.