Culturally Congruent Health Activities for the Prevention of Functional Disabilities Among Older Adults in Japan's Forest Communities. (January 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Irie, Yasuko; Hohashi, Naohiro; Suto, Shunji; Fujimoto, Yu
• Is Part Of: Journal of transcultural nursing. Volume 33:Number 1(2022)
• Page Start: 16
• Page End: 25
• Publication Date: 2022-01
• Subjects: qualitative ethnonursing research -- community health -- culturally congruent heath activities -- Japan's forest community -- prevention of functional disabilities; Transcultural nursing -- Periodicals; Nursing -- Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; Health attitudes -- Cross-cultural studies -- Periodicals; 610.73
• DOI: 10.1177/10436596211042072
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1043-6596

Abstract

Introduction: In Japan's forest areas, cultural capital and older adults play key roles in helping to sustain the community. The purpose was to explore cultural values/beliefs related to culturally congruent health activities among older adults in forest communities. Method: The qualitative ethnonursing research method was used. Data were collected through fieldwork and key informants' interviews ( n = 14) over 1 year. The setting was a traditional village with 80% forest cover. Results: Findings included two universal cultural values/beliefs, which were "community identity as a community member" and "our cohesion and connection as community members." Additionally, two diverse cultural values/beliefs were found: "gender-based differences" and "differences between those having experience working outside the forest community and those without this experience." These were related to community-based health activities. Discussion: These values/beliefs were suggested to develop a multilayered network around health activities in order to prevent functional disabilities among older adults.