The results of a mid-sized survey in the Tokyo area (n=1644) indicated that most media gratifications do not contribute to successful aging among the Japanese young old (58∼70 years). Scores from the Morale Scale are positively correlated with age and negatively correlated with media gratifications, especially television viewing gratifications. This research raises questions about prevailing notions that the retired elderly lose motivation in their life and the media complement their commitment to society and their social activities.
