Associations of physical activity with neighborhood environments and transportation modes in older Japanese adults

Abstract Objective We investigated associations of walking and other leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) with environmental characteristics and transportation modes in older Japanese adults. Methods This cross-sectional study in 2010–2011 used data from 421 community-dwelling older adults aged 65–85 years living in Kasama City, rural Japan. We used the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly to assess walking and other LTPAs, and the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Environment Module for neighborhood environments. Results After adjusting for confounders, we found that good traffic safety and aesthetics were positively associated with high levels of walking (ORs = 1.64–2.12); whereas, good access to public transportation was negatively associated with walking (OR = 0.64, 95% CI = 0.42–0.98). Good access to recreational facilities, presence of sidewalks, absence of hills, seeing people exercise, and aesthetically pleasing surroundings were positively associated with high levels of LTPA except walking (ORs = 1.61–2.13). Individuals who rode bicycles more than once per week were more likely to engage in a LTPA except walking (1–3 days: OR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.03–2.87; ≥ 4 days: OR = 2.90, 95% CI = 1.71–4.93). Conclusion This study adds information on correlates of physical activity among older Japanese adults; the positive association between LTPA except walking and the frequency of bicycle travel is an especially new and intriguing finding.