Association between social interaction and the functional status of elders in Japanese rural community : a 3-year follow-up study(Paper & Abstract September 17th)

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to examine the association between elders' social interaction and their subsequent functional capacity. Method: A longitudinal study based on interview and investigation were carried out with the sample of elderly people who living in the rural community of Japan. Total 267 elderly people aged 60 and over were enrolled in this study in 2005 and 2008. The data of social interaction and activity of daily living (ADL) including basic ADL (BADL) and instrumental ADL (IADL) were analyzed by logistic regression analysis to examine the associations between elders' social interaction and their functional status 3 years later. Results: Subjects were consisted of 117 men (mean age±standard deviation, 68±7.0 years) and 150 women (69±7.6 years). During the 3-year follow up, after controlling for elders' age and gender, the significant factors of social activities related to their future BADL included: having a hobby (odds ratio=-1.57, p<0.05); having a self-identity as a useful social role (odds ratio: -1.78, p<0.05). For future IADL it included: Participation in community activities (odds ratio: -1.57.95%, p<0.05); Feeling importance in normal life (odds ratio: -1.65, <0.05) and using handy equipments (odds: -1.47, p<0.05). Conclusion: The findings in the present study clarified the links between elders' social interactions and their functional capacity three years later in the sample of rural community. It indicated that more social interaction which engages their physical and intellectual function can probably retard elders' function capacity decline.