Objective: We investigated associations of walking and other leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) with environmental characteristics and transportation modes in older Japanese adults. Methods:This cross-sectional study in 2010-2011 used data from 421 community-dwelling older adults aged 65-85 years living in Kasama City, rural Japan. We used the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly to assess walking and other LTPAs, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Environment Module for neighborhood environments. Results:After adjusting for confounders, we found that good traffic safety and aesthetics were positively associated with high levels of walking (ORs=1.64-2.12); whereas, good access to public transportation was negatively associated with walking (OR=0.64, 95% CI=0.42-0.98). Good access to recreational facilities, presence of sidewalks, absence of hills, seeing people exercise, and aesthetically pleasing surroundings were positively associated with high levels of LTPA except walking (ORs=1.61-2.13). Individuals who rode bicycles more than once per week were more likely to engage in a LTPA except walking (1-3 days:OR=1.72, 95% CI=1.03-2.87; ≥ 4 days: OR=2.90, 95% CI=1.71-4.93). Conclusion:This study adds information on correlates of physical activity among older Japanese adults; the positive association between LTPA except walking and the frequency of bicycle travel is an especially new and intriguing finding.

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This study showed that leisure-time PA is related to physical performance, especially in young-old men and women, and household PA is especially related in young-old men and old-old women. Our findings suggest that supporting strategies for maintaining physical functions would differ by gender and age.

This study protocol introduces the Kasama Study, a mid-sized longitudinal study of health, fitness, and physical activity in older people. The study is a challenging research project that discusses the future of the system for preventive nursing care and for supporting successful aging in Japan. In May 2008, we began the Kasama Study with an exercise program of preventive nursing care for community-dwelling older adults. As of March 2016, we have conducted six study projects: 1) the Kasama health checkup for longevity, 2) an all-round exercise class, 3) the volunteer and the circle, 4) an exercise class for men only, 5) an exercise class for improving cognitive and physical function, and 6) the Kasama Iki-iki checklist survey. We describe each project in detail in the present study protocol. Keywords : Kasama Study, community-dwelling older adults, community-based intervention, community-based health promotion What is the Kasama Study?Launched at Kasama City, Ibaraki Prefecture, Japan, in May 2008, the Kasama Study is a mid-sized longitudinal study of health, fitness, and physical activity in older people. The study aims to create a comprehensive, community-based system for preventive nursing care and supporting successful aging (Fig. 1). In addition to research, it has been acknowledged that local communities require social contribution activities conducted by universities, including providing instructions for a variety of exercise trainings for successful aging. Therefore, the Kasama Study can be characterized as a field of practice in which not only research, but also education and social contribution activities are simultaneously conducted.Before beginning the Kasama Study, the authors illustrated Fig. 2 to explain the hypotheses that the study should demonstrate. Certainly, the study's ultimate goal is to extend healthy life expectancy, which is clearly influenced not only by medical variables, but also by physical, psychological, and cognitive functions. For example, higher levels of walking ability and lower extremity muscle function are undoubtedly associated with a longer healthy life expectancy. To provide a hypothetical example, we ask how an individual can acquire higher-level physical functions. The answer may be by maintaining a high level of physical activity by frequently going outdoors, at least for the last few years. We can also ask how that individual is able to maintain a higher level of physical activity. actions and relationships. The above description, however, has focused only on personal factors, but investigating the relationship of health and fitness with environmental factors, such as the geographical environment and social capital, is also necessary.The Kasama Study is a challenging research project that tests the above hypotheses comprehensively by having young researchers, many under 30 years of age, conduct various types of surveys based on their individual research themes that are in accordance with the Kasama Study's goals. In this review, therefore, we describe the de...

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The purpose of this study was to examine whether volunteering as exercise instructors over a continuous period of time affected the physical and cognitive functions of community-dwelling, elderly women. Longitudinal analysis was conducted on data from 18 volunteer leaders (Leader group) aged 65-79 years (69.6 ± 3.9 years) and 18 age-matched survey participants (Control group). We evaluated physical function using 8 physical performance tests along with their standardized total score, and we evaluated cognitive function using the Five Cognitive Function Test. We used two-way ANOVA to examine the effectiveness of engaging in a yearlong volunteer activity and Cohen's d for effect size. There were significant interactions in timed up and go, hand working with pegboard, standardized score of performance tests and the

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