The purpose of this study was to clarify social and psychological factors supporting elderly men aged 75 or older who live alone in five towns or villages designated as depopulated areas by the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications in the Tohoku, Kanto, Shikoku, and Kyushu regions. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 elderly men who lived alone, were capable of self-selection and self-determination, and had no communication disorder. Transcripts of the interview were subjected to content analysis. Results showed that the psychological factors supporting these men could be grouped into 3 core categories: “finding a sense of purpose in life”, “carefree lifestyles without being obsessed with time”, and “a communitybased life”. Social factors were divided into two core categories: “acceptance of change in relationships with their children” and “ties with the local community”. The community in the study area became smaller due to depopulation and the aging of residents. Hence, there are limitations to supporting each other among local residents and the potential for them to become socially isolated Maintaining mental health can be regarded as having a large influence on continuing to live alone when the elderly men recognize their physical decline and have to face aging. For them to continue living in the community as they wish until the end, this study’s findings suggest that it is necessary to foster cooperation between the government and professionals who can care for emotional and spiritual needs and to establish a support system for mental health.

The aim of this study was to clarify the nature of psychological conflict among men aged 80 years or older who were living alone in eight depopulated municipalities designated by Japan's Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 34 elderly men who were living alone. Text-mining analysis revealed that elderly men living alone in depopulated villages were feeling lonely because they [did not have anyone to talk to] but did not want to leave their homes. They were aware of [progressive decline in physical functions] after the age of 80 and thought that [it would be the end if no longer being able to walk]. Because they needed to drive a car in order to continue living their lives, they were [conflicted about continuing to drive] and [anxious that they would not be able to go shopping] if they were to stop driving. The elderly men living in depopulated villages had developed human relationships and attachments to their hometowns, and they wanted to continue living in the homes they were born and raised in until the end of their lives. At the same time, they were struggling with conflicts related to loneliness caused by the weakening of human relationships, feelings of self-deficiency due to physical decline, and a sense of crisis stemming from the decline of the community. On the other hand, one factor supporting them was their motivation to protect the community. These findings suggest the need for a community care system that helps older people feel a sense of solidarity with, and a sense of contribution to, the community.