[Factors affecting active-life orientation among the elderly in a community in Japan and its relationship to social activities].

: We surveyed a stratified random sample of 205 person from 45,500 residents, aged 65 years or older, in a city of Japan using an interview schedule including scales of active-life orientation, social activities and other covariates. A total of 157 (77%) participated in the study. The main results were as follows: 1) Significantly higher scores of active-life orientation were observed in those who currently worked, than in those who did not work in males and females (p < 0.05). In males, scores of active-life orientation were significantly higher in those who had hobbies than in those who did not (p < 0.05); in those who traveled during the past year than in those who did not (p < 0.05). 2) In multiple linear regression analysis, PGC scale scores positively and significantly correlated with score of active orientation in males and females (p < 0.05). Age negatively correlated with the scores in males. Scores of affiliation orientation positively correlated with scores of active orientation, and satisfaction with available social support negatively correlated with the scores in females (p < 0.05).