2011 Volume 33 Issue 3 Pages 385-394
This study examines the prevalence and predictors of aging-in-place, measured with continuity of community living, among the elderly in a rural resort area in Japan.
A random sample of 242 people (65+ years old) who responded to a survey in 1997 was followed until 2002. Deaths and move-outs during the follow-up period were collected from a municipal resident registry. A Cox proportional hazard model was conducted to examine the relationships between the duration of residence until move-out and potential risk factors, which were measured at the baseline.
The mean age of the respondents was 72.2 at the baseline and 49.8% were male. The rates of continuity of living were similar between genders (male: 73.3 %; female: 75.2 %), while the rate of move-out was higher in females. A multivariate analysis showed that education, social support from children living separately, and housing located at a scenic point were positively related to move-out, while being male, warmth of climate, and cooperative neighbors were negatively related.
Compared to the national average, the rate of continuity in community living was lower for the females in this study. This study suggests that in addition to parent-child relationships, certain neighborhood attributes should be considered as important factors for aging-in-place of the elderly.
