Changes in life-space of older adults living in snowy and cold regions during winter and spring

―Comparison by sex and presence of frailty―

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to compare the difference between the life-space in two seasons ―winter and spring― among elderly people living in snowy and cold regions, as well as the life-space stratified by gender and the presence of frailty.

Methods: The participants were elderly residents of Tobetsu, Hokkaido, Japan, belonging to a senior citizens' club. The participants were classified into robust and pre-frail/frail groups according to the result of the Kihon checklist administered in winter. The Life-Space Assessment (LSA) was conducted in winter and spring, respectively. Seasonal changes in LSA were compared from four different perspectives―by all participants, gender and frailty status. The changes in maximum reach and frequency of outings due to LSA were also examined.

Results: Compared to spring, LSA in winter was significantly lower for all subjects (p=0.004,95%CI 2.67-13.34) and for the robust group (p=0.038,95%CI 0.52-16.48). Changes in maximum reach and frequency of outings were mainly observed at "in-town" and "out-of-town" levels.

Conclusion: The effects of season and the presence of frailty should be taken into account when proposing a long-term care prevention activities for elderly people living in snowy and cold regions.