Seasonal changes in activity levels among nursing care insurance service users in areas with different climates

[Purpose] To clarify seasonal changes in activity levels among nursing care insurance service users in areas with different climates using the Life Space Assessment. [Subjects] A total of 72 nursing care insurance service users aged ≥65 years, who were from areas along the Sea of Japan or those around the Inland Sea. [Methods] The subjects were divided into 2 groups according to their home prefecture, and each survey was conducted over two successive seasons (Survey I: fall and winter, n=48, Survey II: winter and spring, n=24). We investigated the subjects’ basic information, and determined their FIM, the Life Space Assessment, and Modified Falls Efficacy Scale scores. These scores were subjected to between-group and -season comparisons. [Results] In Survey I, there were no significant differences in any investigation item between the 2 groups, but the Japan Sea group showed decreases in the Life Space Assessment, Independent Life space, and Minimal Life space scores in winter. In Survey II, we did not note any between-group or -season differences. [Conclusion] Our findings suggest that the Life Space Assessment, whose scores are influenced by outdoor environments, may be used as a tool to clarify seasonal changes in activity levels of nursing care insurance service users.