As part of its policy researchinitiatives, JAGES is engaged in the Innovative Research Promotion Program forSuicide Countermeasures. Social epidemiological research has shown that socialinequalities affect mental health, including depressive symptoms. However,whether these effects extend to suicide, and if so, through what mechanisms,remains unclear. Clarifying these questions is expected to contribute tosuicide prevention through population-level strategies. To date, we have examined associations betweensuicide rates and community-level prevalence of depressive symptoms, as well associal determinants of health. In fiscal year 2026, we launched a new researchproject titled "Can the Promotion of the Community-Based Integrated CareSystem Serve as a Suicide Prevention Measure for Older Adults?" In thisproject, we will examine associations between suicide and initiatives forcommunity development and long-term care prevention. We will also visualizeindicators such as suicide rates for each community and develop a communityhealth assessment support system that local governments can use to analyzedata. Through these efforts, we aim to help local governments developcommunities that contribute to suicide prevention.
