The actual and effects of participation to walking group that launched by community-dwelling elderly

Background: It is expected that elderly participate in social activity for prevention of functional disability. Because, elderly that participate in social group reduce mortality maintain Physical Function, Quality of Life, and Activities of Daily Living. But, previous study suggested this article by prospective cohort study. So it is necessary that be defined by intervention study. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and actual of social participation that was carried out by intervention. Methods: The subjects of this study were elderly people (aged 65–79years) living at Sagamigaoka area in the Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. Elderly living at this area was launched “SAKURA Walking Group” during the intervention program. SAKURAWalking Group, which launched by discussions of elderly and researcher in intervention program, was defined as social activity in this study. Surveys were carried out before the intervention program (December 2010), and after the intervention program (December 2012). A total of 371 subjects living at this area participated in both the surveys before and after the intervention program. Measurements were age, sex, Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) (0–5), social network (0–30), Health-Related QOL (SF-8), Participation to Social Activity (Have you participated “SAKURA Walking Group”?) and more. Results: In baseline Survey, mean scores on Social network scale is significantly high in elderly that participated “SAKURA Walking Group”, than not participated. A twoway ANOVA showed effect of maintain HRQOL at elderly, which participated in “SAKURA Walking Group”, but no effects to IADL and social network. Conclusion(s): This study suggested that elderly, which participated in social activity that launched by Communitydwelling elderly, maintain HRQOL. And, it is not effective for increasing IADL and social network. But, elderly people who participate in “SAKURA walking Group” was high score at Social network scale. So, it is suggested frail elderly can’t participate this social activity which launched in intervention program. So, it is necessary that social activity, which whoever (like frail elderly) is able to participate in, run at community, integrate Physical Therapist’s point of view. Implications: Frail elderly is living at community. This study presented Physical Therapist’s point of view is necessary, be run social activity.