Yuka Minagawa

Active Social Participation and Mortality Risk Among Older People in Japan Results From a Nationally Representative Sample

A large literature suggests that active social participation contributes to the well-being of older people. Japan provides a compelling context to test this hypothesis due to its rapidly growing elderly population and the phenomenal health of the population. Using the Nihon University Japanese Longitudinal Study of Aging, this study examines how social participation, measured by group membership, is related to the risk of overall mortality among Japanese elders aged 65 and older. Results from Cox proportional hazards models show that group affiliation confers advantages against mortality risk, even after controlling for sociodemographic characteristics, physical health measures, and family relationship variables. In particular, activities geared more toward self-development, such as postretirement employment and lifelong learning, are strongly associated with lower levels of mortality. Findings suggest that continued social participation at advanced ages produces positive health consequences, highlighting the importance of active aging in achieving successful aging in the Japanese context.

An Analysis of the Impact of Cell Phone Use on Depressive Symptoms among Japanese Elders

Background: There has been increasing interest in the impact of information and communication technologies, such as the computer and Internet, on physical and mental health status, but relatively little is known about the health effects of using cell phones. Objective: This study investigates how cell phone usage is associated with levels of depressive symptoms among Japanese men and women aged 65 years and older. We focus on social relationships, particularly intergenerational relationships between older parents and adult children, as a possible mediator in the association of cell phone use with late-life depressive symptoms. We therefore hypothesize that using cell phones contributes to the psychological well-being of older adults primarily through encouraging social relationships. Methods: We used 4 waves of data from the Nihon University Japanese Longitudinal Study of Aging (2001-2009) to analyze the impact of cell phone use on depressive symptoms. Results are based on ordinary least squares regression analyses. Results: Although the use of cell phones was related to lower levels of depressive symptoms among elderly Japanese people, controlling for sociodemographic characteristics and physical health conditions wiped out the effects for men. In contrast, the protective effects of using cell phones persisted among women, even net of all controls. Moreover, the impact of using cell phones was not explained by filial relationship measures, suggesting that cell phone use influences the mental health of older women independently of social engagement. Conclusions: Among the many advantages brought about by recent technological developments, cell phones appear to be an important contributor to the psychological well-being of Japanese elders. Researchers and policy makers should prioritize access to new technologies for older adults.

Gender Differences in Alcohol Choice among Russians: Evidence from a Quantitative Study

Aims: Qualitative studies find that men and women in Russia have different preferences for alcoholic beverages, but quantitative evidence for gender differences in beverage type choice remains scarce. The purpose of this article is to test numerically whether and to what extent men and women in Russia differ in terms of preferences for type of drink, such as vodka, wine and beer. Methods: Results are based on multinomial logistic regression and ordinary least squares regression analyses of the Russian Longitudinal Monitoring Survey-Higher School of Economics 2008 data. Results: We observed significant gender differences in preferences for alcoholic beverages. Men have strong preferences for vodka, and they drink it in much larger amounts in comparison with women. Women are more likely to either refrain from drinking or drink mild types of alcoholic beverages, such as wine and beer. Gender differences remain statistically significant even when sociodemographic factors are well accounted for. Conclusions: The present study confirms the previous research findings about gender differences in drinking practices among Russians. Our results provide quantitative evidence of the pronounced differences in beverage types consumed by men and women.

Policy and Program Measures for Successful Aging in Japan

Studies on successful aging have typically focused on individual-level, particularly health-related, determinants. In this chapter, we shift the attention to social structural factors which are at the same time as important. Framed within the Japanese social context, we examined the macro policy and program measures that were implemented in Japan to promote the successful aging of its rapidly graying population. We discussed policies in four pertinent areas of concern: healthcare, employment, active aging, and aging-in-place. Japan’s universal healthcare system and the introduction of a national long-term care insurance coverage in 2000 for all Japanese aged 65 and over play a critical role in the provision of affordable health and long-term care as well as lessening the burden of family caregivers. Health promotion and illness prevention measures were also undertaken in the national health program, Healthy Japan 21. Employment measures include extending the retirement age, promoting continual employment, securing the re-employment of older workers, and providing short-term and temporary job opportunities for retirees who may prefer more flexible work arrangements. Older Japanese people are also encouraged to remain active by participating in volunteer activities both locally and overseas. Finally, housing and transportation policies were implemented to enable older Japanese to age-in-place.

Contents Vol. 60, 2014

Clinical Section D. Aarsland, Stockholm J. Attems, Newcastle upon Tyne M. Burtscher, Innsbruck G. Del Giudice, Siena V.C. Emery, Guildford J.D. Erusalimsky, Cardiff L. Fontana, St. Louis, Mo. J.J. Goronzy, Stanford, Calif. U. Granacher, Potsdam S. Gravenstein, Cleveland, Ohio F. Kronenberg, Innsbruck T.F. Lue, San Francisco, Calif. A.B. Maier, Amsterdam J. Olshansky, Chicago, Ill. T.M. Stulnig, Vienna J. Tao, Guangzhou D.C. Willcox, Ginowan D. Ziegler, Düsseldorf Behavioural Science Section K.J. Anstey, Acton, A.C.T. L. Clare, Bangor X.-Q. Dong, Chicago, Ill. J.D. Henry, St. Lucia, Qld. T. Hess, Raleigh, N.C. S.M. Hofer, Victoria, B.C. C.A. Hoppmann, Vancouver, B.C. D.C. Park, Dallas, Tex. R. Schwendimann, Basel B.J. Small, Tampa, Fla.