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Researchers at the University of Tsukuba conducted a long-term follow-up study on the effects of cycling among older adults. Results indicated that cycling contributes to improved health and longevity in the selected sample; this effect is particularly pronounced among older Japanese individuals who did not drive a car. In Japan, older adults are increasingly returning their driver's licenses; thus, social support is necessary among older adults for promoting cycling.

Tsukuba, Japan—A significant number of older adults in Japan use bicycles as a means of transportation compared with their counterparts in Europe and the United States. Previous research has demonstrated that cyclists exhibit higher levels of social interaction and physical activity. Although cycling is considered a vital activity that can reduce the need for long-term care and lower mortality risk, long-term follow-up studies have not examined these correlations in the Japanese context.

The current study examined the effects of cycling among older adults, focusing on two primary research domains. First, it examined the association between the frequency of bicycle use in 2013 and the incidence of long-term care requirements and deaths over a 10-year follow-up period, lasting until 2023. Second, it examined the relationship between bicycle use (nonuse, initiation, interruption, and continuation) and the onset of long-term care requirements or death at two-time points—2013 and 2017. In addition to analyses involving all participants, analyses was also conducted for nondrivers cohort.

The first line of research found that, as of 2013, older adults who cycled had a lower risk of requiring long-term care and experiencing death over the subsequent 10-year period compared with those who did not cycle. This risk reduction was particularly significant among nondrivers.

The second line of research indicated that older adults who continued cycling for four years between 2013 and 2017 experienced a lower risk of requiring long-term care and mortality in the subsequent six years compared with those who did not cycle. Furthermore, the analysis focused on nondrivers found that older adults who continued cycling, as well as those who began cycling, had a lower risk of requiring long-term care.

These findings suggest that cycling among older adults improves health and life expectancy, especially among nondrivers, serving as a "lifestyle companion" that contributes to maintaining and improving physical and mental health. This is especially notable given that older people in Japan are increasingly giving up their driver's licenses. Moreover, additional social support is required to encourage cycling among older adults.

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This study was supported by grants from JSPS KAKENHI Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B) (26750348), KEIRIN JKA (2023P-380), JST (JPMJPF1234), Meiji Yasuda Life Foundation of Health and Welfare, and Japan Sport Association.

Original Paper

Title of original paper:

Changes in cycling and incidences of functional disability and mortality among older Japanese adults.

Journal:

Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour

DOI:

10.1016/j.trf.2025.03.006

Correspondence

Associate Professor TSUNODA Kenji
Institute of Health and Sport Sciences, University of Tsukuba

Related Link

Institute of Health and Sport Sciences