Association between participation in programs organized by medical and research institutions and the risk of functional disability: Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study 2019-2022 longitudinal study

AIM: This study aimed to elucidate the association between participation in research, lectures and health check (PRLH) programs organized by medical, research and health facilities, and the prevention of functional disability. METHODS: This is a longitudinal study conducted by the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study. The participant were 10 852 older persons aged ≥65 years, who were followed up for 3 years in four municipalities in Japan in 2019. Participation criteria excluded non-independence in activities of daily living. The dependent and independent variables were the occurrence of functional disability during follow up and PRLH during the survey carried out in 2019. Functional disability was defined as the onset of support need level 1 or above in the public long-term care insurance system. Covariates were 20 variables, including age, sex, equivalent income and smoking. Statistical analysis confirmed the association between PRLH and functional disability using Cox proportional hazards analysis. For missing data, 10 imputation datasets were created using the variables of analysis. RESULTS: The number of functional disabilities over the 3-year period was 801 (7.4%) out of 10 852 participants. Cox proportional hazards analysis showed PRLH (HR 0.80; 95% CI 0.69-0.93). Furthermore, a statistical association was found for survey and research cooperation (HR 0.75; 95% CI 0.62-0.90) in each domain. In terms of type of participation, the study noted two (HR 0.72; 95% CI 0.55-0.93) and three or more (HR 0.70; 95% CI 0.49-0.99) types. CONCLUSIONS: PRLH could contribute to the health promotion of older people. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2025; 25: 1123-1130.