FUKUSHITEI, A SUPPORTING PLACE FOR SENIOR CITIZENS IN TAMA NEW TOWN, ITS ACTIVITIES AND UTILIZATION: A study on a supporting place for senior citizens in Tama new town and the users' living styles (Part 1)

The Fukushitei, founded by NPO Legal Person in 2001, is a volunteer serviced café and the place of senior citizens. Catching national attention, it is regarded as the initiator of a supporting place for senior citizens in Tama New Town. The research is based on three investigations : a participant observation survey, a one-year-long actual use survey, and a one-week actual use survey. Through these investigations, details of the actual utilization of Fukushitei as well as the significance of its existence are recognized. 1. In addition to providing support to daily lives, Fukushitei is taken as a good-place-to-go by those who engage in entertaining communication activities there. 2. Fukushitei serves as a guardian for senior citizens in the region. 3. Fukushitei prevents senior citizens from isolation. 4. Fukushitei provides users of different personalities and life styles with a place to enjoy themselves.