Current Circumstances and Problems of Locality Groupsin a Depopulated Area in an Ageing Society

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  • 過疎高齢社会における地域集団の現状と課題
  • カソ コウレイ シャカイ ニ オケル チイキ シュウダン ノ ゲンジョウ ト カダイ

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Abstract

In this paper, I analyze the life structure of the aged in a depopulated area using results of social surveys conducted in 1996 and 2007. In the Nakatsue-mura area, 1) the overall population is decreasing significantly, 2) proportion of aged in the population is increasing, and 3) families of the aged have fewer members; consequently, their circumstances are rather difficult in the present family structure. I study the daily lives of the aged in Nakatsue-mura area and the manner in which their circumstances have changed in the period under study. Two factors are indicated with regard to the continuance of the daily lives of the aged in a depopulated area: 1) They have been engaged in agriculture for a long period of time, and they are conscious that their work is their mainstay. 2) They have been continuously participating in community activities since they were young; therefore, their social roles and life structure is based on this participation. A comparison of the results of the surveys conducted in 1996 and 2007 reveals that transportation facilities, shopping facilities, and social welfare services have worsened, and this has worsened the prospects for the future of the community. Moreover, there was a reduction in the participation rate from area groups, which was caused by the decrease in overall population, increase in the proportion of the aged, and dissolution of the groups themselves because of municipal mergers. Although activities for maintaining villages are relatively continuous, I propose to be cautious regarding the loss of social roles of the aged and isolation of the depopulated villages.

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