Functional capacity in community-dwelling older adults maintained by a higher friend network than family network: implications from a two-year longitudinal study.

OBJECTIVE: Maintaining a level of functional capacity is essential for healthy aging. In this research, the association between the change in the level of functional capacity and social network typology was explored over a two-year period. Participants were recruited from a community-based cohort study within Kashiwa City, Japan, and data from the years 2016 and 2018 were used. Cognitive functions, functional capacity, and social network typology were assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, the Japan Science and Technology Agency Index of Competence, and the Lubben Social Network Scale, respectively. Binomial logistic regression analysis was then conducted to evaluate the association of individuals' personal network and their functional capacity. RESULTS: Results showed that, when compared to the group with both a high family and friend network, the group of community-dwelling older adults with both a low family and friend network (OR: 0.58, 95% CI: 0.34-1.00), and the group with a high family but low friend network demonstrated a lower functional capacity (OR:0.47, 95% CI: 0.26-0.85). Active social participation, facilitated by a friend network, could be a contributing factor to the maintenance of functional capacity.

Qualitative Research on the Primary Effect of Fish Pet Ownership Using the Bottleium, a Bottle-Type Aquarium, on Community-Dwelling Older Adults in Japan: A Potential Preventive Measure Towards Social Isolation.

Aging increases the risk of social isolation, which could lead to conditions such as depressive mood. Pet ownership is known to reduce social isolation. However, previous studies have mainly focused on mammals as pets, which could be difficult at old age. A small ornamental fish is relatively easy to culture and might be a suitable alternative. In this research, we aimed to elucidate the possible effects of fish ownership on the psychological state of community-dwelling older adults in Japan. A Bottleium, a bottle-type aquarium, was selected to lower the burden of fish ownership. A workshop was hosted in 2019 and participants brought home their own Bottleium, with fish and water snail inside. Nineteen participants gave consent to the follow-up interview a month later. Five themes, "observation of fish and water snail," "interaction between the fish and the owner," "taking care of the fish as pet owner," "facilitation of interpersonal interaction," and "development of support system," emerged from thematic analysis. The promotion of animal-to-human, and human-to-human interaction and development of responsibility could relate to a sense of social inclusion and ikigai-kan, a purpose of life. Fish ownership, when using equipment that suits the physical capability of older adults, could act as a positive stimulus.

Needs of persons with dementia and their family caregivers in dementia cafés.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Several studies have shown the effectiveness and diversity of dementia cafés, whereas there are few published articles in academic research focusing on what persons with dementia and their family caregivers need and whether the services provided satisfy their needs. This study aimed to identify the needs of persons with dementia and their family caregivers participating in dementia cafés in Japan. METHODS: Interviews and participant observations were conducted in nine dementia cafés. Study participants were persons with dementia, their caregivers, and the staff in dementia cafés. Data were analysed using qualitative content analysis. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION: A total of 24 participants were recruited. Needs for persons with dementia were subdivided into five categories: to express their feelings about their current condition; to be accommodated through consideration of their physical and cognitive status; for changes in their health conditions to be noticed; to enjoy entertainment; and to keep in touch with others inside and outside of the dementia café. Needs for family caregivers were subdivided into four subcategories: to express their feelings such as anxiety and guilt and complaints regarding caregiving; to consult about difficulties in daily life; to listen to other family caregivers' experiences; and to keep in touch with others inside and outside of the dementia café. The needs of persons with dementia and family caregivers differ partly. CONCLUSIONS: Dementia cafés should create programmes and comfortable environments answering to the differences of their needs.