高齢中国帰国者の生活支援ニーズ : ソーシャル・キャピタルの観点から

This study examines the life support needs of elderly Japanese returnees from China based on social capital. Identifying the needs of elderly immigrants and studying the support they require is important both academically and in examining the systems and services that support a diverse Japanese society.
The elderly Japanese returnees from China discussed in this paper have roots in Japan. They were born in China and raised in Chinese households. They are return immigrants unfamiliar with the Japanese language and culture.
The results of a survey conducted by the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare and a survey of returnees from China in X Prefecture, in which the author participated, revealed the following. Although they have objectively low incomes, they consider their standard of living to be ordinary and rate their level of happiness as high. This rating result is considered to stem from the fact that their standard of living in China is meager. As they have little bridging social capital in Japanese society after returning to Japan, they cannot accurately compare their standard of living with that of Japanese society. As they age, their bridging social capital decreases. Conversely, their bonding social capital with their families and relatives strengthens. To realize aging in place, it is necessary to rebuild bridging social capital.