Factors related to frequency of engaging in outside activities among elderly persons living an independent life at home.

We examined by cross-sectional design the association between the frequency of outside activity and the demographic, health problem, lifestyle, psychosocial and environmental factors among 239 community-dwelling elderly Japanese people (105 men and 134 women) aged 65 years and older, who lived independently at home. The associations of the outside activities more than 6-7 days per week based on a categorical questionnaire choice with potential factors were expressed by odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) calculated through logistic regression analysis by sex. The proportions of those engaging in outside activity more than 6-7 days per week were 38.1% and 21.6% among men and women, respectively. The associations of the factors belonging to various fields with the frequency of engaging in outside activities were clearly pronounced among men. Elderly men engaging in outside activities more often were scored less for depression and more socially active than men engaging in outside activities less often. Multiple regression analysis revealed meeting and talking often with friend (OR=4.18, 95% CI: 1.06-16.5), current alcohol consumption (3.01, 1.06-8.54), having any hobby (3.59, 0.94-13.7), and easy access to public transportation (3.43, 1.28-9.16) as significant or borderline significant factors related to engaging in outside activities more than 6-7 days per week. Women who were currently employed engaged in outside activities more frequently. The frequency of engaging in outside activities was associated with factors belonging to various fields among elderly people living independently, particularly among men, suggesting its usefulness as an indicator of comprehensive well-being.