Relationship Between Participation of Older Adults in Hobby Clubs and Sports Groups and Density of Neighborhood Facilities: A Case of Nagoya City Using JAGES Panel Data

Previous studies have suggested that the closer older adults live to urban facilities, the more likely they are to participate in recreational group activities. However, close proximity can also have a negative effect on participation. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between changes in the density of neighborhood facilities and changes in the participation of older Japanese adults. The data used in this study consisted of two waves of the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES) survey. The survey participants were not eligible for long-term public nursing care. The facilities were categorized as (1) leisure facilities; (2) cafés, pubs, and restaurants; (3) medical and welfare facilities; and (4) food stores. A multilevel ordered logistic model was used for the analysis. The results of this study indicate that several types of neighborhood facilities are associated with increased participation by older adults. However, light-hearted going out, especially during daily use of food stores, may have some limitations in promoting participation.