The purpose of this study was to clarify the relationship between the frequency of physical activity and social capital and changes in quality of life (QOL) in elderly residents. Subjects were randomly selected from elderly residents in Shizuoka prefecture. A total of 1,930 residents participated. A baseline survey (2005) was carried out with a questionnaire that assessed physical activity, social capital and QOL. Frequency of physical activity and social capital (going out walking, other forms of exercise and chores such as housework, paid employment, volunteer activity and educational activity) were measured in a baseline survey. Scores for QOL outcomes (satisfaction with health, independence, sense of well-being and behavioral competence) reported in the baseline survey were compared with those reported in a follow-up survey (2008) and evaluated for changes. We applied logistic regression analysis to evaluate the influence of QOL changes (independent variable) on the frequency of physical activity and social capital (dependent variables).
Results were as follows:
1) QOL outcomes (satisfaction with health, independence and behavioral competence) were significantly associated with frequency of educational activity.
2) QOL outcomes (independence, sense of well-being and behavioral competence) were significantly associated with frequency of exercise.
These results suggest that appropriate frequency of physical activity and social capital can improve QOL.
