Abstract
BackgroundAlthough numerous investigations have indicated that social participation (SP) has positive effects on the health of older adults, there have been few studies on its negative health consequences. We examined the cross-sectional associations of the type, frequency, and autonomy for SP with physical and mental health.MethodsThe analytical subjects were 5126 males and 7006 females who were functionally independent, born between 1945 and 1949, and covered by A City’s medical insurance system. Physical and mental health were measured using the SF-8 Health Survey. SP was measured through six types of social groups. These social groups included volunteer groups, sports groups, hobby clubs, senior citizens’ clubs, neighborhood community associations, and cultural groups. Analysis of covariance was conducted to compare adjusted physical health component summary scores (PCS) and mental health component summary scores (MCS) by the frequency and autonomy of SP. Age, family size, body mass index, chronic conditions, smoking, alcohol intake, depression and cognitive functioning were included as covariates. To examine whether the associations between SP and PCS/MCS are different between genders, we performed analyses stratified by gender.ResultsOverall, positive associations of the frequency and autonomy of SP with PCS and MCS were stronger in females than males. As to frequency, frequent participation in sports groups and hobby clubs had significantly better PCS among both genders and better MCS among females than non-participation. None of the groups differed significantly in the MCS among males. As to autonomy, among both genders, voluntary participation in sports groups and hobby clubs had significantly better PCS than non-participation, and better MCS than not only non-participation, but also obligatory participation. Among females, obligatory participation in all groups had significantly poorer MCS than voluntary participation, and obligatory participation in sports groups had significantly poorer MCS than non-participation.ConclusionsObligatory SP had significantly poorer MCS than voluntary participation, occasionally than non-participation; there is a possibility that obligatory SP has harmful influences on mental health of community-dwelling elderly. Measures to promote SP with consideration for individuals’ autonomy may be effective in the public health approach to maintaining mental health.
Highlights
Numerous investigations have indicated that social participation (SP) has positive effects on the health of older adults, there have been few studies on its negative health consequences
To unravel whether SP has different influences on the physical and mental aspects of elderly people’s health, whether it has negative aspects, and whether those influences are different between genders, we investigated the cross-sectional relationships of the type and frequency of SP, and autonomy of individuals for SP on their physical and mental health according to gender
Regarding Body mass index (BMI), the worst scores were observed in overweight people for the physical health component summary scores (PCS), but in thin people for the mental health component summary scores (MCS)
Summary
Numerous investigations have indicated that social participation (SP) has positive effects on the health of older adults, there have been few studies on its negative health consequences. 2) Social support and networks gained through SP provide information that helps participants make better health and medical choices Those participants have healthier lifestyles and they can maintain good physical and mental health [7, 8]. Iwase et al [16] have reported that participation in parents and teachers associations is not associated with better self-rated health, and pointed out that the obligatory participation which characterizes this activity may offset its health benefits. These prior studies have suggested that whether SP induces an obligation, or if people participate in social groups without being forced to, is a key point of SP health effects. It is indispensable to examine the relationship between SP and the health of elderly people, focusing on the individuals’ autonomy
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