일본의 지역사회와 노년기 사회참여

Abstract

Aging is universal but very cultural, societal and historical. This means that every individuals experience aging but their perception of it are influenced by cultural, societal and historical assumptions. These various assumptions prescribe appropriate behavior toward them. The aged has been in the margin of society no matter of historical change. However it is undeniable that rapid modernization and remarkably increased longevity has resulted in very negative view of the aged and aging. The elderly living in contemporary society but experienced less modernity in their young ages arguably suffer from confusion of identity and are lost in life design. In this paper I examine how Japanese Mr. W who retired and decided to move to Hyuga city as a new domicile for his old age with his wife has adapted to new circumstances and constructed various social network based in local community and argue the significance of that social practice at senescence. For the purpose of this paper it is firstly considered administrative policies and institutions related to the aged and aging in Hyuga city. Secondly I attempt to analyze Mr. W's life history distinguishing before and after the retirement focusing on his social engagement and social network at Hyuga city as a new domicile for his old age. By this work it can be concluded that senescence is influenced by not only innate personality but various social experience of full age, it means senescence is not the disengaged but continued from manhood. Additionally it is remarkable that active administrative effort to construct institutional policies related to the aged is very relevant to build and broaden social network at senescence.