Association between walking time and health-related quality of life, and sociodemographic characteristics among ageing populations in age-friendly cities in Japan

Abstract

Introduction: Japan is a super-aged society with 30% of the population aged ≥65 years. Walking is the most common physical activity among older Japanese and may reduce risks of cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and dementia. The purpose of this study was to characterise walking behaviour and explore potential associations between walking and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) among middle-aged and older adults in World Health Organization (WHO) Age-Friendly Cities (AFCs) in Japan. Method: This study utilised an online survey methodology with data collected during October 2023 using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ-SF-J) and the WHO Quality of Life Survey (WHOQOL-Bref). Quota samples of 175 middle-aged and older adults (N = 525) were obtained in three Japanese AFCs (Akita, Fujisawa, and Takarazuka City), which had been formal members of the AFC Network for at least five years. The main outcome was daily walking time. Independent variables included items from all four domains of the WHOQOL-Bref (physical, psychological, social, and environmental QOL) and selected sociodemographic information (e.g., age). Multiple linear regression was used to explore associations between walking time and independent variables. Results: The mean age of the sample was 67.8 years. Mean walking time was 61.8 minutes per day. The regression model was statistically significant (p = 0.005, adjusted R2 = 0.025) and the environmental domain (standardized β coefficient = 0.176, p = 0.007, +1.4% of variance in walking time) and age (β = -0.124, p = 0.013) were independently associated with walking time. The environmental domain was positively and significantly associated with walking time. Conclusions: This study identified that walking in Japanese AFCs is potentially associated with younger age (in the context of older cohorts) and environmental conditions, including living conditions, health services, and transportation. Implications are discussed with regards to AFC planning for walkability and healthy ageing.