The Effects of Neighborhood Physical and Social Environment on Physical Function among Japanese Community-Dwelling Older Adults: A One-Year Longitudinal Study

Masataka Ando, Naoto Kamide, Miki Sakamoto, Yoshitaka Shiba, Haruhiko Sato, Akie Kawamura and Shuichiro Watanabe
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Masataka Ando: School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitazato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
Naoto Kamide: School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitazato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
Miki Sakamoto: School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitazato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
Yoshitaka Shiba: School of Health Sciences, Fukushima Medical University, 10-6 Sakae-Machi, Fukushima 960-8031, Japan
Haruhiko Sato: Faculty of Rehabilitation, Kansai Medical University, 18-89 Uyama Higashi-Machi, Hirakata 573-1136, Japan
Akie Kawamura: School of Allied Health Sciences, Kitasato University, 1-15-1 Kitazato, Minami-ku, Sagamihara 252-0373, Japan
Shuichiro Watanabe: International Graduate School for Advanced Studies, J. F. Oberlin University, 3758 Tokiwa-Machi, Machida 194-0294, Japan

IJERPH, 2022, vol. 19, issue 13, 1-10

Abstract: Previous studies have shown a relationship between physical and social aspects of the neighborhood environment (e.g., built environment, safety) and physical function in older adults. However, these associations are unclear in older Asian adults because longitudinal studies are lacking. This study examined the effects of neighborhood physical and social environment on longitudinal changes in physical function among Japanese older adults. We analyzed 299 Japanese community-dwelling adults aged ≥65 years. Neighborhood environment was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Environment Module. Physical function was assessed using handgrip strength, knee extension muscle strength, 5-m walking time, and a timed up-and-go test (TUG) in baseline and follow-up surveys. Changes in physical function over one year were calculated and classified into decline or maintenance groups based on minimal detectable changes. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed that even after adjusting for confounding factors, good access to recreational facilities affected the maintenance of 5-m walking time (odds ratio [OR] = 2.31, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.02–5.21) and good crime safety affected the maintenance of TUG (OR = 1.87, 95%CI: 1.06–3.33). Therefore, it is important to assess both physical and social environmental neighborhood resources in predicting decline in physical function among Japanese older adults.

Keywords: community-dwelling older adults; neighborhood environment; physical function; longitudinal study (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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