This project began in April 2017 with a survey of people who have achieved healthy longevity with the aim of preventing people from becoming bedridden and improving the health of local residents. The purpose of this survey was to contribute to the achievement of healthy longevity among older adults. We analyzed the current status of those who had achieved healthy longevity, aged 90 and over, living in Nonoichi City from qualitative and quantitative data. As a result, we have gradually been able to better understand the factors related to the achievement of healthy longevity, including (1) lifestyle history, (2) the assessment of cognitive functions, (3) frailty status, and (4) daily living functions. These results were published at several conferences in 2018 and 2019. Furthermore, we prepared a leaflet containing “four suggestions for living a long and healthy life,” which uses the results of previous surveys as evidence and promotes health promotion and care prevention activities for local community residents.
Part of the book: Contributions to the Local Community Through the University
The Yuu-yuu Health Circle is a place for students to learn and deepen their understanding and interest by putting into practice the knowledge and skills they have gained in class at the university. This chapter introduces its maintenance and promotion activities for older adults in the community that were participated by students of the Departments of Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy at Kinjo University before and during the coronavirus pandemic. The activity method and contents changed significantly during the pandemic. However, as a medical and welfare university, its job to develop human resources that deal with people has not changed. As an educational method toward such purpose, the activities helped students, who need to actively communicate with people of different ages and improve their interpersonal communication skills even during the pandemic.
Part of the book: Contributions to the Local Community Through the University