Association Between Frailty, Locomotive Syndrome, and Subjective Well-Being Among Community-Dwelling 80-Year-Old Adults in Japan: A Pilot Study

Objectives: Despite growing interest in locomotive syndrome (LS), its relationship with subjective well-being remains unclear, highlighting a gap in the existing literature. Therefore, as a pilot study providing preliminary insights, this study aimed to clarify the association of subjective well-being (life satisfaction and happiness) with LS and frailty, a key concept in geriatric medicine, among community-dwelling individuals. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study of 111 older adults aged 80 years living in City A, Tochigi Prefecture, Japan. LS (5-question Geriatric Locomotive Function Scale [GLFS-5]), frailty (Kihon Checklist [KCL]), and subjective well-being (life satisfaction and happiness) were assessed. Group comparisons were performed based on life satisfaction (Satisfied vs. Unsatisfied) and happiness (Happy vs. Unhappy). Binary logistic regression analyses were also conducted, with LS and frailty as dependent variables and subjective well-being (Satisfied-Happy [reference], Satisfied-Unhappy, Unsatisfied-Unhappy) as independent variables. Results: LS was observed in 32 participants (28.8%), and frailty was observed in 25 participants (22.5%). In the group comparisons, the prevalence of LS and frailty was significantly higher in the Unsatisfied and Unhappy groups. In multivariable analyses, the Unsatisfied-Unhappy group was significantly associated with LS (p = 0.002) and frailty (p = 0.031). Conclusions: Among community-dwelling individuals aged 80 years, low life satisfaction and happiness were shown to be associated with LS and frailty.