Clarification of psychosocial factors required for continuance of life of elderly men living alone in heavy snowfall and underpopulated areas

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this study was to clarify psychosocial factors supporting elderly men who were living alone in a heavy snowfall area where the population aging rate exceeded 40%. Methods: The authors conducted semi-structured interviews with six elderly men living alone. As the method of analysis, we conducted a hierarchical cluster analysis of the contents of the interviews via text mining. Results: As a result, we found the psychosocial factors supporting the elderly men living alone. We divided the factors into six categories: "well-planned roof snow removal", "interaction with young people", "realization of the meaning of life via driving", "engagement in leisure and recreational activities", "living a life aligned with personal preference" and "insistence on living alone". Conclusion: Formal and informal networking that avoids debasing these psychosocial factors required for the continuance of living life alone is necessary.