Initiatives for community building in an urban semi-marginal village: Progress of the Ajinadai Lively Project and...

Objectives We launched and engaged in the "Ajinadai Lively Project" to examine the ideal state of community building in an urban semi-marginal village. In addition to discussing its progress and describing the activities, we examine future challenges.Methods (1) We gathered existing resources, conducted a district survey and focus group interview, and investigated the community's health issues. (2) We conducted a workshop with local residents and formulated an action plan. (3) We conducted a health volunteer training class to foster community leaders. (4) Local residents interacted with students through nursing school practice and student volunteer activities.Results The health issues in the community were as follows: (1) Few connections existed between residents across generations, and no framework for mutual assistance was established. (2) Many solitary elderly people and elderly households existed, and we found many instances of elderly-to-elderly care and social withdrawal of elderly people. (3) Many slopes and staircases existed, which made mobility difficult for elderly people. Based on these results, we encouraged the state to pursue quality of life as "A community where people connect and help one another across generations" as well as "A healthy community where people greet one another." We also established health, behavioral, and environmental goals. The health volunteer training class became an impetus for residents to realize the necessity of not only protecting their own health, but also encouraging others and the whole community to get involved.Conclusion While the health volunteer training class did not initiate autonomous activity, it increased the motivation of residents themselves for community building. Performing continuous evaluations and offering support for autonomous activity is important in the future.