Local Health Promoted Groups and Health in Old Age: A Case of Genki Stations in Yokohama

Backgrounds and aims: The purpose of this study was to examine local health promotion group and the effect on health in old age. Yokohama city in Japan established the new approach for preventing nursing care “Genki Station (vitality station)” from 2012. Genki Station provides a local channel for community-dwelling elderly to connect with others and to sustain physically and mentally healthy. The elderlies are formed into local self-organized groups of about 20 persons to do exercises, walking, and other activities to prevent the onset of physical problems and dementia with the support of public health nurses. As of August 2017, 217 Genki Stations were built.

Materials and methods: A mixed methods approach includes a collection of quantitative data using the questionnaire survey and semi-structured interviews. Two waves of data collection have been completed in 2013 and 2015: 237 Genki Stations’ participants as exposure groups and 1,537 seniors(65+) as control group were mail-surveyed. In addition, semi-structured face-to-face interviews with about 30 participants of 12 Genki Stations were conducted and data was analyzed qualitatively. Comparing a result of statistical analysis to a semi-structured interview data, we show the elderly minds for their activities and their health.

Results and implications: Results of hybrid model of time-series logistic regression show that participants of Genki Station are healthier compared control group. Genki Stations contribute to care prevention. Results of interviews indicate that participants try to organize and facilitate their groups voluntarily. Through the management by rotating schedule, they enjoy their new roles in clubs. Some participants who take a leadership position tend to facilitate better communication and connect local resources. Local authority and local public health nurse give behind support for Genki Station. Under shrinking the government's role in society, Genki station is an important solution that meets the needs of the elderly.