近藤 克則

Abstract Well-being (WB) extends beyond physical health, as defined by the World Health Organization and encompasses two aspects: (1) long-term WB (LWB), such as overall life satisfaction; and (2) momentary WB (MWB), such as immediate mood. While research has demonstrated a positive association between one’s environment and LWB, limited studies have explored the association between environmental characteristics and MWB. We applied the experience sampling method (ESM) to collect data on location, perceived environmental characteristics, MWB, and LWB of adult participants living in Kashiwa-no-ha area, Kashiwa City, Japan. Structural equation modeling was used to calculate the correlation coefficients between different environments and both MWB and LWB. LWB was positively associated with MWB (standardized coefficient=0.24) and urban elements—cafés/restaurants/bars (0.11), cultural/sports/education facilities (0.04), and public spaces (0.11). Meanwhile, relaxing/clean (0.56) and natural environments (0.14) were associated with higher MWB. Conversely, vibrant environments (−0.14) and being on the move (−0.11) were linked to lower MWB. LWB was positively associated with being at cultural/sports/educational facilities (0.06), and vibrant (0.15) and communicative (0.13) urban settings. MWB was associated with various built environments, emphasizing the need for places like parks and cafés that promote a positive mood, and well-designed transportation and roads. These elements are important for developing urban areas that meet the physical requirements of residents while supporting their emotional and psychological well-being.

Many previous studies have found that social participation improves the health and functional maintenance of older people. However, to determine whether promoting social participation can prevent functional decline in the elderly, it is necessary not only to compare the prognosis of those who participate in social activities to those who do not but also to demonstrate that the intervention was effective in promoting social participation. Although the effect of social participation in preventing caregiving has been demonstrated, the key question is whether preventing functional decline through social participation can reduce care costs. This study aims to examine the relationship between participation in salons aimed at care prevention through the promotion of social participation and the subsequent cost of care. We use the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) dataset to conduct longitudinal, individuallevel analysis. We focus on all residents 65 years and older who did not have a without disability in Taketoyo town and ran three regression analyses. First, a generalized linear model (GLM) with Tweedie distribution and log-link function, as well as robust estimation of variance components was used to estimate the dependent variables. Second, we used an inverse probability weighting (IPW) model to minimize selection bias. Finally, we performed the IV analysis. In this study, the GLM with IPW and IV models revealed link between salon participants and lower caregiving costs. The link between participation and caregiving costs was confirmed in a model with reduced selection bias, rather than in a simple GLM model.

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the number of program types and CGA in community gathering places to gain valid insights into the provision of programs in community gathering places. The study is longitudinal in nature and uses prospective cohort data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. The participants were 8758 older adults recruited from 28 cities and towns. The dependent variable was the CGA using the KCL. The independent variable was the number of program types in community gathering places. The participants were classified under four groups, namely, No Participation, One Type, Two Types, and More Than Three Types. The study performed linear regression analysis. The mean of the KCL scores by the number of types was 3.8 ± 3.3, 3.5 ± 3.0, 3.3 ± 2.9, and 3.2 ± 2.8 points for the four groups, respectively. CGA was better for two and three or more types of program participation. CGA at 3 years was better when the community gathering places implemented two or more types of program.

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to examine trends in socioeconomic inequalities in sports group participation and daily walking time among older adults in Japan from 2016 to 2019, and to elucidate the association of municipal-level social capital in these trends. METHODS: Using data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study across 2 waves (2016 and 2019), this repeated cross-sectional ecological study included 50 municipalities with 102,575 and 94,022 participants, respectively. We investigated inequalities in sports group participation, and daily walking time by income and education, using the slope index of inequality and relative index of inequality with municipal-level social capital variables, such as civic participation, reciprocity, social cohesion, and social network. RESULTS: From 2016 to 2019, all slope index of inequalities showed a decreasing trend (-4.2 to - 0.5), whereas relative index of inequalities maintained or decreased (-0.10 to 0.00). Increases in municipal-level social capital particularly civic participation and social networks with friends were associated with reduced inequalities in both sports group participation and walking time. For example, increased civic participation scores were associated with reduced relative index of inequalities, which assessed inequalities in sports group participation by income (B = -0.13, 95% CI, -0.24 to - 0.03) and in walking time by education (B = -0.06, 95% CI, -0.11 to - 0.01). CONCLUSIONS: Enhancements in municipal social capital can reduce socioeconomic inequalities in sports group participation and daily walking among older adults, highlighting the importance of fostering civic participation, social networks, and cohesion in public health strategies aimed at reducing inequalities in sports and walking.