Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

BACKGROUND: Frailty is a syndrome related to declining functioning attributed to aging. As a reversible, often improved condition, preventive measures for frailty can be effective. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to evaluate a frailty prevention program for older men comprising face-to-face meetings and an original social mobile application. We also examined the effect of COVID-19-associated social isolation on the implementation of this program. METHODS: We conducted a mixed-methods pilot study featuring a single group before and after comparison of 11 man participants, ≥65 years, living in Japanese cities with a spouse or relatives. Program outcome measures included frailty, loneliness, grip strength, step count and mental health status. Process evaluation considered the experience of participants through a semi-structured interview. RESULTS: The intervention period included an interval of self-isolation owing to the spread of COVID-19. Among the outcomes, grip strength decreased after intervention. No significant negative changes were observed in other items. Themes emerging from participant experiences with the program included 'Cooperation with researchers and contributing to research', 'Greater awareness of health', 'Interest in and experience of "newness"', 'Hesitation over active engagement', 'Casual ties with members' and 'Relationships that do not breach personal boundaries'. CONCLUSIONS: Although the COVID-19 pandemic overlapped with the intervention, participants maintained their mental health. The program was a novel, stimulating experience for older men and demonstrated the usefulness of information and communication technology in supporting their social activities. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE: As a community health nursing initiative for older people, we propose activities that combine group and online support. Frailty prevention programs for older men must contain content that stimulates their interests, such as 'health' and 'newness'.

DOI： 10.1111/opn.12575

PubMed

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

This study aimed to verify the effectiveness of an application (app) in establishing social connectedness among unacquainted older men, as well as improving their physical health. The nine participants were men aged 65 and older in the subarctic zone of Hokkaido, Japan. A mix of quantitative and qualitative methods were adopted as the study design. A questionnaire survey was completed before and after the intervention, and a semi-structured interview was conducted after the intervention. An app-installed smartphone was loaned to the participants, which allowed them to share pictures, voice recordings, and their step count. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and qualitative data were analyzed using qualitative descriptive analysis to generate categories. The average age of the participants was 77.7 years. The relationship between participants who were interacting for the first time through the app advanced as their understanding of each other's personalities deepened. The average step count during the third and fourth months was significantly higher than in the first two months. By using the app, older men were able to build relationships with one another. In addition, visualizing the number of steps on the app was effective in improving the number of steps.

DOI： 10.3390/ijerph20031884

PubMed

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Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)  

Connectedness among older people is essential for healthy communities, especially among rural populations where limited social interaction and associated health effects may be cause for concern. In this qualitative descriptive study, we explored older rural people's perception of connectedness through a communication application. The study assessed 10 participants (mean age = 76.2 years) living in rural Japan who regularly participated in a senior citizens' club. From July 2019 to January 2020, the participants used a social media application developed by our research team to meet the needs of older people. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. Six themes representing older rural people's perception of connectedness were identified: (1) thoughtful consideration for members strengthened even without them meeting face-to-face, (2) encouragement received from familiar members, (3) joy in sharing daily routine with neighbors, (4) courage to advance through face-to-face interaction, (5) willingness to continue club membership, and (6) fear of disrupting club's harmony. Participants who used the application felt compensated for the lack of social interaction opportunities in rural settings and strengthened their existing relationships.

DOI： 10.1111/nhs.12908

PubMed

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Language：Japanese   Publisher：Japan Academy of Public Health Nursing  

DOI： 10.15078/jjphn.10.3_121

CiNii Research

Ichushi

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Authorship：Lead author   Language：English   Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal)   Publisher：Taylor & Francis Online  

DOI： 10.1080/1369118X.2021.1954231

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Event date： 2025.1

Language：Japanese   Presentation type：Poster presentation  

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Event date： 2024.10

Language：Japanese   Presentation type：Poster presentation  

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Event date： 2023.9

Language：Japanese   Presentation type：Poster presentation  

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Language：Japanese   Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Venue：大阪市  

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Language：Japanese   Presentation type：Poster presentation  

Venue：大阪市  

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中国・佳木斯（ジャムス）大学との学術交流協定に基づく交流を行った。

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