This study explores the potential role of Buddhist temples in advancing the age-friendly city agenda, focusing on how these spiritual and communal spaces can support older adults through targeted interventions. Given the historical link between Buddhist philosophy and community cohesion in Japan, the research explores how temples might serve as key sites for promoting practices that benefit an ageing population. The study seeks to answer: (1) How aware are monks of their potential role in supporting the age-friendly city agenda? (2) What existing activities align with this agenda? (3) How can Buddhist teachings and temple spaces be leveraged to further support older populations? A mixed methods approach was employed, targeting Buddhist monks in Akita, a city recognized as age-friendly by the World Health Organization. Surveys, focus group interviews, and temple observations were conducted to gauge monks' awareness, current activities, and perspectives on expanding their role. Of the monks approached, 47 completed the survey (36% response rate), and 10 participated in interviews in 2023. The study found that most monks are highly aware of their role in the age-friendly agenda, with many temples already offering activities like communal gatherings, meditation, and end-of-life preparation workshops. Interviews highlighted that Buddhist temples are vital community spaces that can help counteract the weakening of social ties by providing sustainable, age-friendly interventions. Buddhist teachings on peace of mind and end-of-life preparation are crucial in supporting older adults to live and die with dignity.

Authors:
Sachiko Makabe, Akita University, Japan
Minoru Kimoto, Akita University, Japan
Ayuto Kodama, Akita University, Japan
Yu Kume, Akita University, Japan
Tine Buffel, University of Manchester, United Kingdom
Hidetaka Ota, Akita University, Japan

About the Presenter(s)
Dr. Sachiko Makabe is currently a professor in nursing at Akita University in Japan.Her current projects are an Age friendly city project with UK and a Telenursing in Olthopaedic in Japan.

See this presentation on the full schedule – Friday Schedule

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