NEIGHBORHOOD SOCIAL SUPPORT AND COMPANIONSHIP AMONG THE VERY OLD LIVING IN AN URBAN AREA IN JAPAN

Neighbors should play a significant role in our social network, especially when we become very old and have a limitation in mobility. However, little is known about the functions of neighborhood relationship and its impact on well-being of the very old. In this study we focused on the availability of emotional support, tangible support, and companionship with non-kin neighbors of the very old and examined its effect on the well-being of the older people. Interviews were conducted in 2015 in Kawasaki, Japan. Respondents were randomly selected community dwelling adults aged 75 years and older (n = 873). It was found that 59.7% of the respondents had acquaintances or friends in their neighborhood. Among them, about a half replied they could rely on their neighbors emotionally or instrumentally. Also about 70% answered they enjoyed companionship with their neighbors. No gender or age differences were found for the proportion of having close neighbors. Respondents who used sports facilities or community centers in their neighborhood were more likely to have close relationship with neighbors. Analyses on the association between neighborhood relationship and well-being found that having close neighbors and companionship with neighbors were associated with life satisfaction and QOL measures positively. These correlations were larger for the older age groups. These results suggested that neighborhood social network, especially having companions in the neighborhood might gain its importance in our life as we age. Strategies for promoting neighborhood companionship should be considered for better community life for the very old.