[Characteristics of social activity of the elderly who belong to senior citizens].
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to clarify environmental conditions determining the social activities of the elderly, by analyzing levels of activity in individuals belonging to clubs for senior citizens.


METHODS
In 1998, we conducted a survey of over 10,000 elderly subjects, 65 years of age or older, who belonged to 228 clubs for senior citizens in a region of Saitama Prefecture, using a 'Check list' developed for self-evaluation of social activities. The proportions of 'active' and 'inactive' seniors, as judged by the 'Check list' for each of the four different aspects of social activities (1. individual activities, 2. social participation/volunteering, 3. education/training, 4. employment), were compared with those of the standard elderly population.


RESULTS
Two hundred and seven clubs for senior citizens (90.8%) participated in this study. About 82.0% of the members of each club filled out the 'Check list'. High levels as compared to the standard population were demonstrated for two aspects of social activity: individual activity and social participation/volunteering. Women had higher levels of both types of social activity than men. Men aged 74 years or younger had lower than average levels for three aspects of social activity: social participation/volunteering, education/training, and employment. Members who resided in urban areas with easy access had higher levels of individual activity, social participation/volunteering and education/training. On the other hand, those residing in suburbs with large spaces for agriculture had higher levels for employment.


CONCLUSIONS
Our results for social activities of elderly subjects belonging to clubs for senior citizens indicate that strong correlations exist with environmental conditions, including communication facilities and local or industrial structure.
Takahashi
Mihoko
M
Department of Public Health, Saitama Medical School.
Shibazaki
Satomi
S
Nagai
Masaki
M
D000368:Aged / Q000523:psychology*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003625:Data Collection; D004651:Employment; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007398:Interpersonal Relations; D007564:Japan; D008297:Male; D012111:Residence Characteristics; D012737:Sex Factors