Association Between Leisure Activity Frequency, Number of Activities, and the Residential Environment Among Community-Dwelling Older Japanese Adults: A Questionnaire Survey in Fukushima Prefecture

With the rapid aging of the Japanese population, loneliness, social isolation, and mental health decline have become major public health concerns. Leisure activities contribute to health and well-being in later life; however, associations with residential factors remain unclear. This study examined associations between leisure activity participation (frequency and number of activities) and the residential environment among community-dwelling older adults in Japan. A cross-sectional questionnaire survey was conducted on 324 adults aged ≥ 65 years in Fukushima Prefecture. Leisure activities were assessed using a leisure activity scale, and residential factors included housing type, mode of transportation, and neighborhood environment. Multiple and logistic regression analyses were conducted. The results indicated that greater participation was associated with living in a detached house, driving a private car, and access to public transport. Although associations with individual leisure activities were more limited. Nevertheless, overall leisure activity participation was associated with housing type, family composition, access to public transport and recreational facilities and driving a private car. Therefore, transportation access, family support, and community engagement may be related to leisure activity participation in later life. However, causal relationships and the direction of these associations cannot be determined. Further longitudinal and multifaceted studies are warranted.