Japanese and japanese american aging studies GSA interest group

Interest group meeting, East meets West symposium (#1 Ageism and #2 Social Isolation) and informal gathering

Photos are available here: 

https://photos.app.goo.gl/dWoBdQx3hUtbkRD67 

JJASIG convener is making a difference in the community. 

Dear members of the Japanse and Japanse American Aging Studies Interest Group (JJASIG) - Gerontological Society of America AND those who are interested in our group,

Register for our quarterly meeting scheduled next week, 5/9, at 8 pm (ET), 日本時間5月10日（金）朝9時.

https://rutgers.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckfuiopj0jGdb0Tr36wb0_Qg09xTTe9E9s

This month, Dr. Inoue from George Mason University. Dr. Inoue who serves as an Associate Editor for the Journal of Gerontological Social Work, will provide valuable information regarding the journal, her roles as an Associate Editor, and the peer review process. Following Dr. Inoue's presentation, we will have some time to network.

JJAASIG of GSA メンバーの皆様

四半期に一度のグループミーティングが来月開催されます。日本時間5月10日（金）朝9時からご参加ください！下記よりご登録ください。

https://rutgers.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJckfuiopj0jGdb0Tr36wb0_Qg09xTTe9E9s

5月のグループミーティングは、Journal of Gerontological Social WorkのAssociate Editorを務めている、George Mason大学の井上先生にプレゼンしていただきます。JGSW誌の紹介、Associate Editorとしての役割、査読プロセスなど大変貴重なお話を伺えますので、ぜひご参加ください。井上先生のプレゼンの後はメンバー同士の交流の機会もあります。

Over the past decade, my research has delved into productive aging in Japan, a multifaceted concept covering activities such as volunteerism, employment, community leadership and self-care. In Japan, my focus was primarily in volunteerism and civic engagements of older adults within colleges of third age (koreisha daigaku), non-profit organizations (NPOs), and neighborhood associations (jichikai/chonaikai). I am also interested about productive aging activities among minoritized populations and have studied and worked with ethnic minorities and poor older adults in Japan.

Upon relocating to the United States in August 2023, I came across a local survey in northern Virginia examining civic engagement among older adults. This study highlighted a noticeable disparity: older adults from Asian and Spanish-speaking backgrounds were significantly less involved in volunteer activities and felt less connected to their communities than their peers compared to white older adults.

Such disengagement and feeling of alienation might stem from factors like those contributing to social isolation and loneliness, including poverty and discrimination. These barriers limit access to civic engagement opportunities for these communities. Another factor is that the levels of engagement and perceptions of civic involvement and community belonging among older racial and ethnic minorities in the United States may also be shaped by diverse cultural values, norms, and degrees of acculturation. For example, my findings in Japan indicate that cultural perceptions of volunteerism and community belonging markedly differ from Western interpretations. For instance, Japanese view volunteerism as unpaid, charitable work. In contrast, the United States, there is a history of federally funded programs offering stipends for volunteer work among seniors. Additionally, while Japan's volunteer participation rates among older adults appear lower than in Western countries, such comparisons by researchers often neglect the significant voluntary roles of older adults in traditional civic activities, like neighborhood associations and community social welfare officers (minsei-iin).

This summer, thanks to my university’s support, I plan to find answers to these questions by conducting a mixed-methods study focusing on civic engagement and the sense of community belonging among Asian and Spanish-speaking older adults. I am also interested in how these aspects impact their relational ties, health, and well-being.

We are seeing some evidence that civic engagement and social participation can be buffers for stressful life events as well as protect older adult’s risk of social isolation and loneliness. Currently, I am examining how participation in these civic activities can buffer stress during Covid-19 pandemic, and am finding interesting results. I am hopeful that these investigations can contribute to the knowledge base in aging. I look forward to sharing with you in the near future.

Website: https://socialwork.gmu.edu/profiles/minoue2

Introduction:

Megumi Inoue is an Associate Professor in the Department of Social Work at George Mason University. She also serves as the Associate Editor of the Journal of Gerontological Social Work and is the founding chair of the interest group for Japanese and Japanese American Studies for the Gerontological Society of America. Inoue brings her extensive clinical experience as a social worker and a registered nurse to her teaching and understanding of the research areas of her interest.  

簡単な自己紹介

ジョージメイソン大学ソーシャルワーク学部の井上恵です。Journal of Gerontological Social Work の編集員も務めています。また、このインタレストグループを立ち上げたメンバーの一人でもあります。ソーシャルワーカーと看護師として働いた経験を教育と研究に生かしています。

Education:

Ph.D. Boston College

MSW Washington University in St. Louis

BSW Kawasaki University of Medical Welfare

AND Kyushu National University, College of Medical Technology

Professional experience:

2020-present: Associate Professor, Department of Social Work, George Mason University

2014-2020: Assistant Professor, Department of Social Work, George Mason University

2011-2014: Social Worker, Japanese Bostonian Support Line (JB Line, Inc.)

1988-2000: Registered Nurse, Kyushu University Hospital

Research:

Inoue’s research primarily focuses on older adults experiencing declining health, placing them at risk of losing autonomy and dignity. She is particularly interested in advance care planning (ACP) and nonpharmacological interventions to promote autonomy and dignity among older adults. She has been examining the impact of the completion of ACP among older adults and its associated factors, as well as the impact of nonpharmacological interventions on mood and behaviors among individuals living with dementia.  　

研究のハイライト

研究では、自己決定と尊厳がリスクにさらせれがちな、健康が衰えつつある高齢者に焦点をあてています。特にAdvance Care Planning (ACP) と認知症の方やそのご家族の方への非薬物療法に興味があります。高齢者を対象としたACPの遂行の影響と関連要因、また認知症の方の気分や行動に対する非薬物療法の影響を調査しています。

Courses taught:

Introduction to Social Work

Knowledge Building for Helping Professionals Human Diversity

Research in Social Work

Integrative Methods in Social Action and Social Change: Community-Building for Human Rights

Aging Programs and Policies

Research Methods for Social Workers

Death and Dying: Policies, Programs and Services

Program Evaluation for Social Workers

Clinical Practice with Older Adults

Study Abroad Programs

Super-Aged Society in Japan

Natural Disasters: Clinical Efforts in Japan

She is an affiliated member of the Center for Biomedical Science & Policy (CBSP) at George Mason University and the Global Social Development Innovations at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.