RT. 1-1 Coping with Increasing Number of Japanese and Japanese AmericanSeniors in New YorkKeiko Sakagami, Ed.D., MCHESNew York City Department of Health and Mental Hygiene
Vice President of Advocacy for IUHPE/North American Regional Office (NARO)
United Nation Representative for IUHPE/NARONew York has the 4th largest Japanese population

three issues they were worried were 1) they may not be able

followed by California, Hawaii and Washington States into take care of themselves (60.7%), 2) income and financial

U.S. (Census, 2000/2010). The prevalence of seniors inproblems (34.5%), and 3) health problems such as Alzheimer

Japanese American community was about 5% in 2007,(27%). The top 3 things they already prepared for their futureaccording to the findings of the Asian American Federationof New York (AAFNY). Since those who immigrated inU.S. after the World War II, became over 65 years old, thenumber of Japanese and Japanese American seniors has

were 1) preparation of wills (37%), 2) financial planning(33.7%) and 3) health care proxy (16.9%). Over 70% of therespondents preferred to receive assisted care services orbeen increased. To cope with this issue, the Committee ofvisiting nursing services at their homes when they could not

Aging issues was established in 2005 with support of thetake care of themselves. However, the majority of theConsulate General of Japan in New York, Japanese

respondents did not know how to access information of theAmerican Association of NY (JAANY), other Japaneseservices they may need in future. The respondents in New

community-based organizations (CBOs), and many

York City were more likely to live alone than those in otherindividuals having various professional backgrounds. Thestates: Differences were clearly seen on housing issues

purpose of the committee is to better understand theconditions that the seniors have faced, and to measure their
future needs appropriately.
In 2006, the Committee conducted the first survey to 1)
address awareness of aging issues, 2) describe demographic
details of the targeted population, and 3) measure their futureneeds. The survey was mailed to about 8,200 Japanese andJapanese Americans who were over 50 years old, lived in
New York, New Jersey, Connecticut and Pennsylvania.
These samples were selected from directories of the CBOs.
The response rate was 30.3% (N=2,026). The analyses
were performed with 1,882 responses answered the questions
about age and sex. Descriptive statistics and Chi-square tests
were used to analyze demographic data. Crosstabs were also
used to analyze relationships between the demographic
factors and other variables such as social service preferences
and housing. Among the respondents, the average age was63.3. About 90% were born in Japan. Over 60% of therespondents stated they would not go back to Japan. Their top

between New York City and other areas. From the findings,
the conclusions included four major summaries: 1) Helpful
information related to social and health services, assisting care,nursing homes and others such as transportation services
should be provided in Japanese, 2) Educating their family
members about caring seniors is essential, 3) Community
services such as home visiting, counseling and 24/7 hotline
should be developed, 4) Further research studies are neededto address more details of the aging issues. Future discussion
should include network development, outreach andbetter support systems.
We obtained a meaningful data for Japaneseelderly population living in New York Tri-State areas.
From the findings, we developed many community eventsand seminars to provide helpful information for them. This
round table focuses on both the study findings and major
community activities and services to assist them.
Contact: Keiko Sakagami (keiko8101@verizon.net)