Aging in Place in a Depopulated, Mountainous Area: The Role of Hometown-Visiting Family Members in Shimogo, Japan

In this study, we examined the factors that contribute to successful aging in place in the town of Shimogo, a depopulated mountainous area in Japan, focusing on the interplay between household support types, the performance of daily activities, and the involvement of geographically dispersed family members. A mixed-methods approach was used, combining survey data with multiple correspondence analysis and cluster analysis. The resident household findings reveal significant differences in community engagement and reliance on community support across three household support types: self-help, mutual aid, and combined support. The self-help households demonstrated high self-sufficiency and community participation, while the mutual-aid and combined-support households exhibited greater reliance on family and community resources. An analysis of the activities of out-migrated relatives uncovered diverse engagement profiles, motivated by both providing practical support and strengthening family bonds. The visit frequencies and activity types of the relatives were significantly influenced by both their own characteristics and the levels of self-reliance and community support needs of the resident households. Four distinct relative engagement clusters emerged, reflecting varying levels of support, community involvement, and visit frequency. Our findings underscore the crucial role of both informal (family) and formal (community) support networks in facilitating successful aging in place in rural depopulated areas. Policy implications include strategies supporting both self-reliance and the diverse mechanisms of family- and community-based support to ensure the sustainability of life in these challenging environments.