Evaluation of the comprehensive health program "Sumida TAKE10!" for community-dwelling older adults, which aims to prevent or delay the need for long-term nursing care.

Objective The purpose of this study was to evaluate the comprehensive health program "Sumida TAKE10!", which aims to improve dietary habits and promote physical activity among community-dwelling older adults including the pre-frail elderly. This study has been ongoing since 2005 in Sumida Ward, Tokyo with the ultimate aim of preventing or delaying the need for long-term nursing care. We used the term "pre-frail elderly" for older adults who are at risk of requiring long-term care.Methods "Sumida TAKE10!" consists of a general lecture in a public hall followed by 5 educational sessions biweekly at 4-6 community centers. From 2008 to 2013, 402 participants aged ≥65 years were enrolled and included as subjects of the study. The main outcome measures were changes in 10 food intake frequencies, food frequency score (FFS), dietary variety score (DVS), frequency of exercise (obtained via questionnaire) and physical fitness (5-meter maximal walking time, 5-meter walking time, handgrip strength, one-leg standing time with eyes opened (time to upright posture for standing on one leg with eyes open), and the timed up & go test). The secondary outcome measures were changes in the Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Gerontology (TMIG) Index of Competence score, appetite, frequency of walking and sports, self-rated health, frequency of leaving the house, communication with neighbors, engagement in hobbies, participation in group activities and participation in volunteer activities (obtained via questionnaire).Results Compared to baseline, all outcomes showed significant improvement. "Sumida TAKE10!" can improve dietary habits and increase the physical activity of participants. Positive secondary effects were seen for life function, self-rated health, and social activities. Almost identical positive results were obtained from the pre-frail elderly group, while improvement was also seen in the dietary habits of the subjects who do not cook.Conclusion These results suggest that this program may be useful for population-based approach programs. In addition, comprehensive programs like TAKE10! may increase the health consciousness of community-dwelling older adults.