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. 2025 Jan;20(1):1-12.
doi: 10.2185/jrm.2024-025. Epub 2025 Jan 1.

Seasonal and sex differences in instrumental activities of daily living and objective physical activity among older adults residing in rural areas with snow and cold regions

Tomohito Tadaishi  1 , Junko Hasegawa  2 , Hideki Suzuki  2
Affiliations

Seasonal and sex differences in instrumental activities of daily living and objective physical activity among older adults residing in rural areas with snow and cold regions

Tomohito Tadaishi et al. J Rural Med. 2025 Jan.

Abstract

Objective: To determine the seasonal differences in instrumental activities of daily living (IADL) and objective physical activity among older adults residing in non-urban areas in snowy and cold regions according to sex.

Patients and methods: Fifty older adults aged ≥65 years were included in the present study. IADL was assessed using the revised Frenchay Activities Index (FAI), and physical activity was measured using a triaxial accelerometer. Comparisons were made between the snowy and non-snowy seasons based on sex.

Results: Compared to the non-snowy season, the female participants exhibited significantly lower scores for outdoor housework, outdoor activity, and overall scores on the FAI during the snowy season. In terms of physical activity, a decrease in the number of steps and light-intensity physical activity, accompanied by an increase in sedentary behavior, was observed in both sexes. High light-intensity physical activity decreased in the snowy season, especially in the female participants. In addition, the total moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and short-bout MVPA (intermittent and lasting <10 minutes) also decreased.

Conclusion: Considering the significant changes in lifestyle and physical activity during the cold snowy season, women should consider performing alternative physical activities other than indoor household chores. Furthermore, men should be encouraged to participate in indoor household chores they typically do not engage in, irrespective of the season.

Keywords: bout; instrumental activities of daily living (IADL); light-intensity physical activity (LPA); moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA); snowy and cold regions.

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Conflict of interest statement

There is no conflict of interest in this study.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study patients selection flowchart.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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