The Secret to Seniors Continuing Their 'Second Communities' is 'Enjoying Conversations with Participants (60.3%)'! Positive Reality of Valuing Social Connections Revealed

GN Hearing Japan Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture; Representative Director and President: Martin Armstrong), the Japanese subsidiary of a Danish hearing aid manufacturer with a world-leading market share, conducted a survey on 'Second Communities and the Reality of Hearing' targeting 300 men and women aged 60-75.

For seniors, 'second communities'—places and relationships outside the home where they can maintain social connections and feel like themselves—are extremely important for enriching their daily lives and preserving their individuality. This survey investigated the reality of such second communities and the secrets to their continuation. The results revealed that the key to continuing to enjoy second communities lies in 'conversation,' and that not only physical ailments such as leg and back problems but also 'declining hearing' can become a barrier to participation. At the same time, a positive reality emerged: seniors are proactively seeking solutions to these barriers to protect their valuable connections.

Based on these survey results, Professor Mitsunori Ishida of Waseda University will release a commentary on the importance of 'community' and 'conversation' in maintaining social connections.

*Images are AI-generated concepts.

Survey Summary

Topics ①: The No. 1 reason for community participation is 'refreshment (50.7%)'; 'conversation' brings social connections.

Topics ②: The No. 1 secret to continuing to enjoy second communities is 'being able to enjoy conversations with participants.'

Topics ③: Hidden anxieties for long-term enjoyment. Approximately 17% are concerned about 'difficulty in conversations due to declining hearing.'

Topics ④: To protect the time and relationships in second communities. 86.3% responded that they want to proactively solve 'hearing' issues and protect their valuable place!

Topics ①: The No. 1 reason for second community participation is 'refreshment.' 'Casual conversations' at hobbies and gatherings with friends foster social connections.

When asked about the types of 'second communities' they currently participate in, 'gatherings with friends and acquaintances (50.0%)' was the most common, followed by 'hobby circles, teams, clubs, or associations (40.7%)' and 'local activity groups, neighborhood associations, or volunteer organizations (30.7%).' Specifically, a variety of activities are enjoyed, including sports circles such as tennis and table tennis, yoga classes, sports spectating, 'oshi-katsu' (fandom activities), and birdwatching. The primary purpose of participating in such communities was 'refreshment (50.7%),' followed by 'a place to talk casually (47.7%).' In addition to responses such as 'deepening skills in hobbies/special talents (36.0%),' many also cited purposes such as 'social connections and social contribution (28.3%)' and 'meeting new friends and acquaintances (27.0%).'

These results indicate that for seniors, second communities, through gatherings with friends and hobby circles, primarily serve as a place to reset their mind and body and change their mood. It was found that emotional 'mental and physical breaks' are sought more than skill improvement or practical benefits, and 'casual chatting' plays a significant role.

Enjoying these casual conversations, as a result, leads to new encounters and plays a significant role in maintaining social connections.

Topics ②: The No. 1 secret to continuing to enjoy second communities is 'being able to enjoy conversations with participants.'

The No. 1 most important thing for continuing to participate in and enjoy second communities even after aging was 'being able to enjoy conversations with participants (60.3%).' This was followed by 'maintaining one's health (46.3%)' and 'being able to interact across generations (45.3%).'

Following 'casual chatting' being identified as a major factor for community participation in Topics ①, and 'being able to enjoy conversations with participants' ranking first as the secret to continuation, even above health maintenance, it became clear that 'conversation = an important thing for enjoying one's place.' For seniors, it is understood that enjoying 'communication (conversation)' with others, not just the activity itself, is the secret to enhancing the value of community participation.

Topics ③: Hidden anxieties for long-term enjoyment. Approximately 17% are concerned about 'difficulty in conversations due to declining hearing.'

When asked about physical concerns (including future anxieties) for continuing to participate in second communities, the top responses were 'decreased physical strength, making long outings difficult (33.3%)' and 'difficulty walking/moving (30.7%).