[Diversity of participants and autonomy of community residents by types of "Kayoi-no-ba": findings from a survey of urban voluntary groups in which older adults participate]

Objectives A recent long-term care insurance policy encourages the promotion of various types of "Kayoi-no-ba," or places to go, not limited to those focusing on functional training, as resident activities are expected to keep older adults from needing care. In this study, Kayoi-no-ba were voluntary groups in which older adults participated, and their attributes were examined in terms of "diversity of participants" and "autonomy of community residents," based on the type of group.Methods The staff from the preventing long-term care division in each of the 38 municipalities in Tokyo selected 175 voluntary groups that met three criteria: (1) more than three community residents participate in activities at least once a month, (2) participants are primarily older adults or multi-generational residents including older adults, and (3) community residents participate in group management. Representatives from 165 groups responded to the questionnaire. For the group categorization, a latent class analysis was performed using the goals and activities of the group. Participants' age, gender, and health status were used to assess diversity. The number of residents who managed and/or supported group activities and the precise role the residents played in the activities were used to assess autonomy.Results The groups were categorized into four types: "Physical Exercises," where the primary activity was physical exercise; "Multi-purpose," which included various purposes and activities; "Social Interaction Oriented," where interaction with others was the goal, but physical exercise was not; and "Non-Interaction," where social interaction was not the goal. Participants in the Multi-purpose group ranged in age and were more likely to have health problems, such as mobility limitations, dementia, and frailty, than those in the Physical Exercises and Social Interaction Oriented groups. Moreover, the Multi-purpose group had more resident managers and supporters involved in various roles.Conclusion The Multi-purpose group had the most diverse participants and autonomy of residents. However, the type of Kayoi-no-ba should not be considered fixed. The support system should encourage flexible changes such as adding a new activity depending on the situation and the varying needs of the residents.