Abstract
The purpose of this study was to find the factors for the low walking ability (low scores of 10 m obstacle-walking test and 6 minutes-walking test) among the elderly living in a farming area with heavy snowfalls. Subjects were 45 independent healthy elderly people (mean age 74) living in T-town in Aomori Prefecture. We measured their step numbers and EXERCISE as the index of walking speed with a portable activity-monitor from February 2012 to January 2013. We also investigated their physical activity and collected the data of weather conditions in the same period. The mean step number of all subjects was 5,550 steps/day which was not necessarily fewer than that of the elderly nationwide. Step numbers were secured mainly by performing snow-removal in a snowfall season. Median EXERCISE of all subjects was 0.46 Ex/day which meant that the time of quick walking (faster than 67 m/min) was less than 10 minutes/day. Consequently, it was suggested that one of the factors for the low walking ability is the shortage of quick walking. Therefore, it is recommended to establish the exercise habit of quick walking for about 20 minutes/day if possible, through out the year, in addition to obtaining step numbers by using snow-removal work effectively in winter, with risk management for the health, to elevate their walking ability.
