Social factors affecting deterioration of health
and long-term care settings
among older persons and families

Tatsuro Ishizaki, MD, PhD, MPH

Yoko Sugihara, PhD
Masaya Shimmei, MA
Hiroko Kodama, MA

social factors, deterioration of health, long-term care, long-term care insurance, care-recipients, caregivers, resource use, panel study

Elucidation of social factors affecting health deterioration
Elucidation of factors affecting support needs of care-recipients and caregivers, and evaluation of the national long-term care insurance system
Empirical analyses of resource use of medical and long-term care among older individuals

1. Elucidation of social factors affecting health deterioration

Based on the community-based surveys conducted in the Kanto area, we aim to investigate social-economic and socio-environmental factors affecting physical and/or mental health of middle-aged and older persons. Notably, our project focuses on socio-economic status, social capital, and regional environmental factors that would affect the health and well-being of community dwelling middle aged and older adults.

2. Elucidation of factors affecting support needs of care-recipients and caregivers, and evaluation of the national long-term care insurance system

Based on panel surveys, the research project aims to explore factors affecting changes in the health and well-being of both care-recipients and caregivers. As for the caregivers, our study especially focuses on factors related to a) successful continuance of home based care, b) care giving burdens, and c) sense of fulfillment gained from caring experiences. Moreover, based on repeatedly conducted cross sectional surveys which started before the implementation of the national long-term care insurance system, our team evaluates the effects of the national long-term care insurance system over frail older people and their family caregivers.

3. Empirical analyses of resource use of medical and long-term care among older individuals

To provide solid evidence to devise better health care policies for older adults, we examine resource use of medical and long-term care among older people, using claim data of medical and long-term care insurance plans provided by a local government and death certificate data provided by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare.