Abstract
The objective of this research is to shed light on the activities and the burnout of the elderly Health Mates in depopulated and aging areas. We conducted an anonymous self-administered questionnaire on 236 Health Mates in three locations (city/town/village) of Shikoku and Kyushu to examine the ideal activities of Health Mates that could contribute to the preventive care of the aged through “Shokuiku”.
The contents of the questionnaire consisted of “attributes,” “degree of satisfaction and hopes with respect to the activities of Health Mates” and “symptoms of burnout.” Those under 65 years of age were classified as the “younger group” and those aged 65 years and over, the “aged group.” Using the χ2 test, we analyzed the items of the questionnaire.
The average age of the subjects was 66.1 (±7.7), many of whom had been engaging in the activities for over ten years. Expressing neither satisfaction nor dissatisfaction with the activities, they hoped to have the activities maintained as they were. Few expressed their wish for the reduction of activity time or for the cooperation of relevant local governments.
The results indicated no significant difference in the burnout between the two groups, but they suggested that by adjusting the time and the contents of the activities, while considering the emotional needs of those who are over seventy years old, would lead to both useful and sustainable social activities that would contribute to preventative care.
