Factors influencing the psychological independence of retired community-dwelling older adults in Japan

Abstract

BackgroundIn an aging society, it is necessary to promote successful aging by helping older adults maintain engagement in social activities, especially after retirement. Focusing on psychological independence is critical for helping community-dwelling older adults maintain their ability to do things independently and build appropriate relationships with neighbors. However, shifting one’s mindset from the workplace to the local community can be difficult, especially for Japanese people who prioritize work over local community activities. Few studies have investigated the factors associated with the psychological independence of community-dwelling older adults, so this study examined the factors influencing the psychological independence of older adults in T town, a typical commuter town in Japan.MethodsA self-administered, anonymous questionnaire was distributed to 246 neighborhood association members aged 65 and older. T-test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, Cronbach’s alpha, and multiple regression analysis were used to develop a model for predicting psychological independence and its two subconstructs, purposefulness and personal accountability.ResultsThe results demonstrated that psychological independence, purposefulness, and personal accountability were significantly predicted by having abilities that are useful to other people (β = 0.399, p = 0.001; β = 0.277, p = 0.019; and β = 0.394, p = 0.001, respectively).ConclusionThe findings suggest that older adults can maintain psychological independence using their existing characteristics, such as hobbies and life skills that are useful to others in the community.

Perspectives of Independent Living among Filipino Older Adults: A Qualitative Study

“…Maintaining social relationships with others, such as forming meaningful connections and having positive relationships with others are essential for older adults to live independently. 16 Meaningful connections significantly impact Filipino older adults' mental and emotional well-being. Regular interaction and quality time spent with family and friends help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, which are common challenges older adults face.…”

“…15 While acknowledging these meanings, Asian cultures also emphasize independence, such as engagement with life. 16 In a qualitative study conducted by Harnirattisai and Vuthiarpa, independent living from Thais's perspective means engaging in activities independently of others, making decisions without control of others, and engaging in personal activities comfortably. Additionally, independent living was characterized by having a job, money for private life, participation in religious activities, and time to relax.…”

– The Asian Conference on Psychology & the Behavioral Sciences 2024 Official Conference Proceedings

“…The findings of Oda (2021), believe that coaching-based support from significant others can effectively help adolescents build their self-esteem and can promote their psychological independence. In the same line, Hirano (2022), suggest that older adults can maintain psychological independence using their existing characteristics, such as hobbies and life skills that are useful to others in the community. Likewise, with santriwati at Nurul Quran Islamic Boarding School, East Java, Indonesia, each of them had had various hobbies.…”