Prevalence and multidimensional correlates of life-space mobility restriction among community-dwelling older adults in China: A cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVE: To examine the prevalence of life-space mobility restriction among community-dwelling older adults in China and to explore its multidimensional correlates, with the aim of informing strategies that support mobility and promote healthy aging. METHODS: From March to June 2024, 808 older adults from six communities in Yanji City were enrolled using a multistage sampling approach. Data were collected through a general information questionnaire, the Life-Space Assessment, the Intrinsic Capacity Evaluation Tool, the Social Participation Scale, and the External Environment Assessment Tool. RESULTS: The prevalence of life-space mobility restriction was 55.45%, with a mean life-space mobility score of 60.00 ± 30.76. Life-space mobility was positively correlated with intrinsic capacity (r = 0.622, P < 0.001), external environment (r = 0.721, P < 0.001), and social participation (r = 0.707, P < 0.001). In multivariable logistic regression analyses, gender, age, educational level, family structure type, economic source, monthly income, marital status, living arrangement, self-rated health, smoking behavior, fear of falling, intrinsic capacity, external environment, and social participation were all significantly associated with life-space mobility restriction (all P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Life-space mobility restriction was common among community-dwelling older adults in this study. Multiple demographic, health-related, functional, environmental, and social factors were associated with this restriction. These findings may help identify older adults at higher risk and inform the development of multidimensional support strategies in community settings.