This study aims to investigate the preparedness of individuals aged 40-70 in a Japanese prefecture to continue living at home as they age. The focus is on understanding their readiness for independent living, particularly through the use of smart devices, and assessing their views on aging in place.
A cross-sectional, web-based survey was conducted from December 2022 to March 2023. The participants, aged 40-70, were from an urban area with a population of over 400,000. Survey questions covered personal attributes (e.g., gender, age, chronic health conditions), as well as attitudes towards aging in place, home preparation, smart device usage, and social support. Statistical analyses, including chi-square tests, were performed to identify significant trends.
Of the 235 respondents, 79.9% considered living at home for as long as possible to be important, with this sentiment increasing with age. Among those in their 70s, 18.4% had thoroughly considered home preparations for old age, while only 2% of those in their 50s had done so. Regarding home readiness, 43% had adequate furniture for aging in place, and 76.6% had a bathroom on the ground floor. Smart device ownership, such as emergency response systems, was low at 2.6%. Furthermore, 38.3% of respondents, particularly younger ones in their 50s, were unaware of local social activity spaces.
This study underscores the importance of Aging in Place and the challenges of preparing for independent living during old age. While most respondents recognized the significance of staying at home, actual readiness, including home modifications and smart device usage, was limited. Older participants, especially in their 70s, were more likely to have considered home preparations, while younger respondents were less aware of local social activity spaces and smart technologies. The low adoption of smart devices, particularly emergency response systems, highlights the need for increased awareness and accessibility to technology that supports independent living. Improving community support and access to smart devices can help individuals better prepare for aging in place and enhance their quality of life in old age.
The study highlights the growing importance of smart devices in supporting independent living for the elderly. Efforts should focus on increasing awareness and accessibility of these technologies, especially for lower-income households. Additionally, enhancing social support and community engagement opportunities could mitigate the risk of isolation among the elderly. Future research should address regional differences and increase the sample diversity to provide a broader perspective on aging in place in Japan.
Independent Living
Smart Devices
