@article{ref1,
title="Effect of group activities on health promotion for the community-dwelling elderly",
journal="Journal of rural medicine",
year="2016",
author="Fukasawa, Masako and Yamaguchi, Haruyasu",
volume="11",
number="1",
pages="17-24",
abstract="OBJECTIVE: In Japan, the Integrated Community Care System aims to support residents to live as independently as possible at home. Koreisya-Kyoshitsu and Fureaiikiiki salons are two types of group activities for community-dwelling elderly. We investigated effective ways of conducting such activities. <br><br>METHODS: We analyzed 96 subjects from 8 salons and 354 subjects from 10 Koreisya-Kyoshitsu. Self-completed questionnaires included the following: attributes, the Motor Fitness Scale (MFS), revised Philadelphia Geriatric Center Morale Scale (PGCMS), Measurement of Psychological Independence (MPI), instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), and self-rated health status (SRH). Follow-up assessment was conducted 6 months later. Representatives from 8 salons and staff members from 10 Koreisya-Kyoshitsu answered an additional questionnaire on management. <br><br>RESULTS: In Koreisya-Kyoshitsu, physical performance (MFS) (p = 0.007) and subjective well-being (PGCMS) (p = 0.001) improved significantly, whereas psychological independence (MPI) deteriorated significantly (p = 0.015). The MFS scores significantly improved in the sub-group with a high number of sessions (7 or more) (p = 0.043), as well as in the non-volunteer sub-group (p = 0.004). The PGCMS scores significantly improved in the sub-group with a high number of sessions (p < 0.001). The MPI scores significantly deteriorated in the sub-group with a low frequency of sessions (6 or less) and in the non-volunteer sub-group (p = 0.013 and p = 0.010, respectively). In salons, the frequency of going out decreased significantly (p = 0.049). Functional status (IADL) significantly improved in the &quot;twice or more a month&quot; sub-group (p = 0.046), whereas it significantly deteriorated in the &quot;once a month&quot; sub-group (p = 0.004). The proportion of volunteers/organizers in Koreisya-Kyoshitsu (23.4%) was significantly lower than that in salons (39.6%). <br><br>CONCLUSION: The frequency (number) of sessions, but not the volunteer/non-volunteer attribute, was a key factor in obtaining the health promotion effects of group activities in both Koreisya-Kyoshitsu and salons.<p /> <p>Language: en</p>",
language="en",
issn="1880-487X",
doi="10.2185/jrm.2903",
url="http://dx.doi.org/10.2185/jrm.2903"
}