3. DISCUSSION
The construction of housing complexes for the elderly after the
earthquake helped the city build strong social capital. Such communities
had built-in mutual assistance and monitoring functions for the elderly
which were traditionally provided by immediate families. This case
exemplified that we can successfully prevent an elderly person from
living an isolated life and a lonely death.
Toward the end of her life, her long-term friends living in the same
area played a more critical role than her biological family. She was
probably happy passing this way. We, health care workers, were able to
fully respond to her wish; she wanted to live alone, did not want to
feel lonely, and did not want to engage her family.
Some elderly people need connections with people who come from the same
town, but not their own family. The government officers discovered this
preference as they met with local residents for several meetings. They
decided to build this public housing near their original community and
ensured that residents came from this same community. Various support
related to nagaya, low rent, watching by the manager, free outing bus,
free lunch distribution, etc. support their independent living. On a
daily basis, the residents share stories about their houses and the
lands that were washed away by the tsunami. Such opportunities help them
heal from the damage caused by the earthquake.[11] The same effects
could not have been attained in nursing home facilities.
In the course of this research, it became clear that many more elderly
individuals have started a new phase of life by choosing to live in the
rowhouse with long-term friends and neighbors, rather than with their
families. Today, building human connections is increasingly challenging
as society undergoes aging, declining birthrates, and changes in family
structures. The rowhouse project and its operation have helped people
realize their new phase of life based on the philosophy of
aging-in-place.
This case report is available to inform policy, practice, and research
in elderly care, both domestically and internationally. Future research
may more broadly explore the effects of rowhouse projects based on
situations such as urban and rural areas, unaffected areas, and age
groups of the elderly, while investigating cases of other older adults
with diverse socioeconomic and medical conditions.