A Qualitative Study of Health-Related Experiences Associated with Lifestyle Role Transitions Among Local Residents in...

Background/Objectives: As population aging garners attention worldwide, there is great significance in communicating information on such measures to countries outside of Japan, which is considered unique in its position as a "super-aging society." This study objectives to investigate public health measures linked to daily life by clarifying how the role transitions of local residents in their 60s, such as seeking re-employment, looking after grandchildren, and caring for family, affect their health status. Methods: We conducted focus group interviews with 26 residents and analyzed them qualitatively and inductively. Result: The findings suggested that, in predicted role transitions voluntarily chosen by participants, they tended to experience positive changes in health through the transition, although temporary feelings of fatigue were also described in relation to re-employment and grandchild care. Even in anticipated role changes, some participants expressed reluctance to engage in health-promoting activities within the local community. In cases of unavoidable role transition to family caregiving, participants described difficulties in maintaining self-care and feelings of caregiving fatigue that were challenging to manage through personal effort alone. These findings suggest that health support during role transitions in one's 60s may benefit from including information about community activities and opportunities to build connections with local residents. In addition, support for those transitioning into caregiving roles could focus on facilitating access to social resources and tailoring assistance to individual needs. Conclusions: This study confirmed to specifically target health support for people in their 60s based on the results of this study, the focus on the transition needs to include not only role transition to re-employment but also unavoidable transition to caregiving.