271344 Physical Activities, Healthy Life Style, and Successful Aging: International Comparison

Wednesday, October 31, 2012 : 11:18 AM - 11:30 AM

Chia-Ching Chen, EdD, MA, MS, CHES, SRAS , Department of Epidemiology & Community Health, New York Medical College School of Health Sciences & Practice, Valhalla, NY
Tetsuji Yamada, PhD , Department of Economics, Rutgers University, the State University of New Jersey, Camden, NJ
Chie Hanaoka, PhD , Institute of Social and Economic Research, Osaka University, Osaka, Japan
Seiritsu Ogura, PhD , Institute on Aging, Department of Economics, Hosei University, Tokyo, Japan
Background: Physical activity is one of the recommended strategies for preventing chronic illness in Healthy People 2020. Healthy lifestyle is an essential factors for successful aging.

Objectives: This study investigates the effects of motivation on engaging in physical activity, and the impacts of socio-economic characteristics on physical activity for elderly. The study also evaluates how perceived mental/physical health is associated with physical physical among elderly between the US and Japan.

Significance: Limited studies have been conducted that focus on behavioral aspects of physical activity among elderly between the US and Japan. Expected and potential medical expenses often encourage healthy behaviors under different healthcare financing system in the US and Japan.

Methodology: The survey was conducted in the US (n=5313)and Japan (n=4934) by Osaka University using the Global COE Survey in 2009 and 2011. A set of regression analyses were conducted to investigate the influences of socio-economic and cultural aspects on health behaviors, which leads to physical activity by controlling perceived health. A factor analysis was performed to examine the relationship between perceived health and physical activity by controlling healthcare utilization.

Findings/Results: Perceived health is positively and significantly related to physical activity. There is no clear cut difference of health behavioral aspects between US and Japan. However, healthcare utilization and physical activity are negatively associated.

Conclusions/Recommendations: Physical activity is vital to promote successful aging in US and Japan. Physical activiy will reduce healthcare utilization especially in US. There is a clear cut evidence of healthcare cost burden in US.

Learning Areas:
Public health or related public policy
Public health or related research
Social and behavioral sciences

Learning Objectives:
Audiences learn that importance of physical activities for successful aging in both US and Japan and related less healthcare service utilization.

Keywords: Physical Activity, Aging

Presenting author's disclosure statement:

Qualified on the content I am responsible for because: I am qualified to be an abstract Author on the content I am responsible for because I am involved in the research.
Any relevant financial relationships? No

I agree to comply with the American Public Health Association Conflict of Interest and Commercial Support Guidelines, and to disclose to the participants any off-label or experimental uses of a commercial product or service discussed in my presentation.