As the older adult population increases globally, it is important for local governments to measure their health and well-being consistently to effectively support this group. Because definitions of subjective well-beingsuch as happiness, life satisfaction and subjective healthoverlap, it is worth considering which single-item indicator local governments can rely on to measure individual well-being. This study, therefore, explored the correlation between three single-item questionnaires on happiness, life satisfaction and subjective health used in government surveys, and established psychometric scales of happiness, life satisfaction and quality of life, and analyzed which of the three single-item indicators most effectively captured the target well-being.Methods: Randomly selected people aged ≥65 years in urban and rural areas (n = 1440) answered the questions on the Happiness Scale, the Satisfaction with Life Scale and the Quality of Life scale, and the three single-item questionnaires (happiness, life satisfaction and subjective health). We analyzed the data using correlation and multiple regression analyses. Results:The results showed a high positive correlation between the scales and the singleitem questionnaires. The single-item life satisfaction and subjective health questionnaires were significantly correlated with all the three scales. Although there was not much difference in the adjusted R 2 values between putting three items jointly and separately, the value of single-item life satisfaction was the best and the subjective health was the second best. Conclusion:The results showed that the single-item life satisfaction and subjective health effectively captured the target well-being; these could be the appropriate indicators for a potential optimal index.

Aim The aim of this study was to identify factors related to a sense of security with regard to medical and long‐term care services among middle‐aged and older adults. These are for consideration of strategies for the establishment of a community‐based integrated care system. Methods A cross‐sectional survey was conducted in 2400 men and women aged ≥40 years in two cities. Survey items included a scale for sense of security for medical and long‐term care, experience of medical and long‐term care services, and social and demographic factors. Data were analyzed using univariate and multiple regression analyses. Results In total, 945 respondents were included in the analysis. In multiple regression analysis, sense of security was significantly higher with ability to consult with medical professionals on medical and long‐term care, availability of emotional and instrumental support, norm of reciprocity in the community, community attachment, economic comfort, higher age and male gender, and significantly lower with experience of bereavement at a hospital and depression. Conclusions These findings stress the importance of facilitating consultation with medical professionals, support for caregivers of terminally ill patients, and mutual support in the community in a community‐based integrated care system. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 568–574.

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The aim of the study is to examine issues recognized by older adults as important for increasing their degree of well-being.Methods: A survey was conducted for 1,440 males and females aged 65 years and older who were selected by stratified random sampling (age and gender) from two municipalities that agreed to participate in the study. An anonymous, self-administered questionnaire was sent to the subjects by mail. Among the 796 respondents (response rate: 55.3%), questionnaires were analyzed for 524 subjects who responded to open-ended questions. The responses to these questions on issues that are important for increasing well-being were analyzed using quantitative text analysis.Results: A morphological analysis resulted in extraction of 1,299 words, which were then classified into 10 themes. Using hierarchical cluster analysis, the 10 themes were classified into three clusters: live a healthy and affluent life, interact with people, and enjoy activities with positive thinking. Conclusions:The results indicate that, in addition to ensuring income for making a living, the well-being of older adults can be increased by providing support services for maintaining health and interacting with people.