Association of Perceived Environment and Physical Activity in Older Adults After the Great East Japan Earthquake

Abstract

The aim of this study was to examine the association between perceived environment and physical activity among older adults in Fukushima Prefecture after the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and the impact of evacuation. Questionnaires were distributed to individuals aged 65 years and older from October to November 2018. Perceived environment was assessed using a five-item questionnaire on home fitness equipment, access to facilities, neighborhood safety, enjoyable scenery, and frequency of observing others exercising. Physical activity, assessed via the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Elderly Japanese, was segregated into levels based on the median score. Data from 249 participants (74.2 ± 6.9 years) were analyzed. A logistic regression analysis found that the unenjoyable Scenery × Residing in restoration public housing interaction (odds ratio = 3.87, 95% confidence interval = [1.20, 12.46]) was significant. The association between enjoyable scenery and physical activity varied according to whether the participants had experienced evacuation or not.

Can Land Transfer Alleviate the Poverty of the Elderly? Evidence from Rural China

“…Before using PSM for estimation, it is necessary to check whether the sample matching is reasonable and valid. This study uses the more commonly used kernel density function distribution of propensity scores to check the matching before and after matching the treatment group with the control group [ 52 , 53 ]. Figure 2 a,b represents the kernel density distribution before and after matching farmland turn-out.…”

“…The commonly used domestic quality of life indicators (QWB) are demanding in terms of data. Subsequently, many scholars use self-rated health variables that are relatively easy to obtain [ 51 , 52 ]. The same self-assessed health variables are used in the current study, and two indicators are selected: physical health and mental loneliness, where physical health is based on self-assessed health status compared to peers.…”

Association of Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Physical Function, and Mental Health among Older Returnees after the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station Accident

“…Among older residents, for enhancing physical function, specific practices like possessing home equipment like an exercise mat or resistance band may be effective [ 45 ]. Greiner et al [ 46 ] introduced an hour-long intervention program implemented once a week for 24 weeks in an area affected by the GEJE.…”