Zusammenfassung

The effects of perceived neighborhood environment and social support on the physical activity of young-old (65–74 years old) and old-old (≥75 years old) were examined. Data were obtained from a probability sample survey of 739 participants (≥65 years) living in two wards of Tokyo, Japan. The dependent variable was physical activity divided into active (engaged in 60 min or more per week) and inactive. The independent variables were the perceived neighborhood environment, measured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Environmental Module (IPAQ-E) and the social support from kin, neighbors, and friends for going out. Logistic regression analyses were conducted separately for both age groups, controlling for sex, education, employment, living arrangement, and functional capacity. Results demonstrated that access to shops and exercise facilities, social environments, and aesthetics were associated with being physically active among the young-old. The interaction between social environment and social support from kin was statistically significant among the young-old. Social environments, aesthetics, and social support from neighbors and friends were associated with being physically active among the old-old. These findings suggest that improving access to facilities might be effective for promoting physical activity among the young-old. Social environment (e.g., seeing many people walking) and aesthetics consistently correlated with physical activity for both age groups. Findings also highlighted the importance of the social support from neighbors and friends for promoting physical activity for the old-old and the social support from kin as a modifier of the relationship between neighborhood environment and physical activity for the young-old.