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Social and Activity Participation and Subjective Well‐Being Among Older Adults in Japan: A Comparative Analysis of Healthy and Care‐Needing Groups

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Objectives: This study explores the relationship between social and activity participation (SAP) and subjective well‐being (SWB) among older adults in Japan, with a particular focus on differences by care‐needing status. Methods: Data were drawn from the 2019 Sakai City Older Adults Survey, including 5469 healthy and 406 care‐needing individuals aged 65 and over (65.59% female). An ordered probit model was used to estimate the association between SAP and SWB, which was measured on an 11‐point scale and categorized into three levels. To address potential endogeneity, instrumental variable (IV) analysis was conducted using information source diversity and health consciousness as instruments. Results: Higher frequency of SAP was positively associated with SWB among both healthy and care‐needing older adults. While the association was stronger and more consistent among the healthy group, IV analysis revealed a statistically significant and robust relationship among care‐needing individuals as well. The findings suggest that even older adults facing physical or cognitive limitations may experience psychological benefits from SAP. Conclusions: SAP is associated with better SWB among older adults, including those with care‐needing status. These results support the promotion of inclusive community‐based programs to enhance psychosocial health in aging populations.

Source: Journal of Aging Research

DOI: 10.1155/jare/5990506

Authors: Jianyu Huang, Ziyan Wang, Richard Ssempala

Institutions: Osaka Metropolitan University, Makerere University

Language: English

Topic: Aging, Health, and Disability

Subfield: Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $1,000