Neighborhood Environmental Factors and Physical Activity Status among Rural Older Adults in Japan

(1) Background: Although several neighborhood environmental factors have been identified to be associated with older adults' physical activity, little research has been done in rural areas where the population is aging. This study aimed to investigate neighborhood environmental factors and the longitudinal change of physical activity status among rural older adults in Japan. (2) Methods: The study included 2211 older adults, aged over 60 years, residing in three municipalities in Shimane prefecture and participating at least twice in annual health checkups between 2010 and 2019. Physical activity was identified based on self-report. Hilliness, bus stop density, intersection density, residential density, and distance to a community center were calculated for each subject. Hazard ratios for the incidence of physical inactivity were estimated using Cox proportional hazards models. (3) Results: We found that 994 (45%) of the study subjects became physically inactive during the follow-up. Those living far from a community center had a lower risk of becoming physically inactive compared to those living close to a community center. When the analysis was stratified by residential municipality, this association remained in Ohnan town. Those living in hilly areas had a higher risk of becoming physically inactive in Okinoshima town. (4) Conclusions: The impact of neighborhood environmental factors on older adults' physical activity status might differ by region possibly due to different terrain and local lifestyles.

Automated summary

This study investigated the relationship between neighborhood environmental factors and physical activity status among rural older adults in Japan. The results showed that older adults living far from a community center had a lower risk of physical inactivity, while those living in hilly areas had a higher risk. The impact of neighborhood environmental factors on physical activity status may vary by region due to different terrain and local lifestyles.