Effect of Residential Altitude on the Frequency of Going Out and Physical Function of Community-dwelling Elderly People

Abstract

[Purpose] The importance of going out has been reported from the perspective of long-term care prevention, but environmental factors can sometimes hinder going out. Therefore, this study examined the effects of residential altitude on the frequency of going out and physical function. [Participants and Methods] A physical function assessment (grip strength, one-leg standing time, Timed Up and Go test (TUG), Five Times Sit to Stand Test) and questionnaire (residential altitude, frequency of going out, purpose of going out, way of going out) were conducted for eighty-four elderly people in a senior citizens’ salon. [Results] Multivariate analysis showed that age influenced TUG performance. However, residential altitude did not influence the frequency of going out or physical function. [Conclusion] Age has been reported to influence walking ability, and this study yielded similar results. It has also been reported that the frequency of going out tends to decrease with aging. Therefore, to maintain physical function, it is important to encourage active participation in going out.