Shigeo Hori

Background/Aim: Recent studies have emphasized the need among the elderly for activities that allow them to connect with society, often through participatory activities, and to achieve self-fulfill-ment. However, there has been little attention to the specific learning needs of the elderly with physical disabilities. This study therefore aimed to elucidate these needs, with the goal of including them in the work of occupational therapists. Methods: Data was received in the form of survey responses from 334 elderly with physical disabilities and 682 "Elder College" class attendees living in Hyogo or Osaka Pre-fectures, Japan. The responses to eleven questions designed to identify learning needs were compared between the two groups. Results: There were significant differences between the two groups. The elderly with physical disabilities expressed more interest in interaction with other elderly people, this tendency intensifying according to the level of care they required. Another notable finding in this group was the emphasis on learning about computer and the Internet. Both groups expressed a high level of interest in voluntary activities, although this level was lower among the elderly with physical disabilities. Conclusions: Support programs should aim to re-establish the level of interaction with others that elderly with physical disabilities had before they became disabled. This could be achieved in various ways: directly, including through access to the Internet, or indirectly through learning about the past. The need to contribute to society through voluntary activities expressed in both groups should be explored by occupational therapists together with their clients, with the aim of developing suitable activities.