Roles in Kayoino-ba and their relationship with Ikigai, functional ability, and frailty in older adults

Sep 29, 2026

Independent group activities (Kayoino-ba) are expected to enhance Ikigai, a sense of purpose, among older adults. This study examined differences in Ikigai, physical and mental function, and frailty between older adults who did and did not hold roles within Kayoino-ba groups. Physical performance was assessed via grip strength, five-times sit-to-stand, 5-meter walking, and Timed Up and Go, with clustering adjusted using generalized estimating equations. Role-holding participants showed lower frailty and higher Ikigai and related functional measures, including a higher likelihood of reporting Ikigai (OR 7.14).

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages6

Reading Time15 min

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Abstract

Purpose

Participants and Methods

Results

Conclusion

Introduction

J. Phys. Ther. Sci. 38: 19–24, 2026 The Journal of Physical Therapy Science Original Article Roles in Kayoino-ba and their relationship with Ikigai, functional ability, and frailty in older adults Mutsumi Nakamura, PT, PhD1)*, Shingo Nakai, PT, MS2) 1) Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Human Care at Makuhari, Tohto University: 1-1 Hibino, Mihama-ku, Chiba-shi, Chiba 261-0021, Japan 2) Faculty of Sports Science, Shizuoka Sangyo University, Japan Abstract. [Purpose] Independent group activities (Kayoino-ba) are expected to improve Ikigai (a sense of purpose) among older adults in the community. The differences in Ikigai, physical and mental function, and frailty among older adults, participating in Kayoino-ba, were examined by comparing participants with and without group roles. [Participants and Methods] Older adults who engaged in Kayoino-ba were enrolled. Physical function was assessed using grip strength, the five-times sit-to-stand test, the 5-meter walking time, and the Timed Up and Go test. Participants were grouped by role status, and intergroup comparisons were performed. Ikigai was the dependent variable and role status was the independent variable, with age group, sex, participation, and frailty as covariates. Clustering was adjusted using generalized estimating equations. [Results] In total, 265 participants (20 groups) participated in this study. Participants with a group role had significantly lower frailty and superior performance in grip strength, the Timed Up and Go test, Ikigai-9, Kihon Checklist, and Life Space Assessment than participants who did not have a group role. Multivariable generalized estimating equation analysis showed that participants who had a group role had a significantly greater likelihood of reporting Ikigai (odds ratio=7.14, 95% confidence interval: 1.12–45.52) . [Conclusion] Having a group role may be an important factor associated with Ikigai among older adults, and it could positively contribute to healthy aging. Key words: Ikigai, Role in the group, Long-term care prevention (This article was submitted Aug. 15, 2025, and was accepted Oct. 25, 2025) INTRODUCTION Japan has one of the world’s most rapidly aging populations. Consequently, strategies to address this demographic trend include health promotion and the prevention of long-term care. In 2013, the “Comprehensive Program for Care Prevention and Daily Life Support”(Sogo Jigyo) was established as a new insurance system for long-term care prevention. Japan prioritizes a population-based approach as a key strategy for care prevention 1) and promotes the nationwide development of“activities using the passage of older adults”(Kayoino-ba) 1–3) . At the first Joint Meeting on Long-term Care Prevention Staff and Advisors, it was stated that the goal of long-term care prevention is “to provide a place where older adults can dwell with Ikigai and a role in the community, potentially leading to the prevention of long-term care for older adults”3) . Accordingly, Kayoino-ba is expected to serve as a setting where older adults can find Ikigai in life. Kayoino-ba broadly refers to residentcentered activities aimed at preventing long-term care needs through exercise, hobbies, and other group-based programs2) . A 2015 survey by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reported 70,134 Kayoino-ba locations nationwide, involving 1,317,773 participants (3 . 8% of the older adult population)4) . By 2023, the number had increased to 157,638 locations with 2,418,838 participants (6 .7%)5) . Regarding the effects of long-term care prevention activities at Kayoino-ba, one study *Corresponding author. Mutsumi Nakamura ([E-mail: mutsumi.nakamura@tohto.ac.jp](E-mail: mutsumi.nakamura@tohto.ac.jp))©2026 The Society of Physical Therapy Science. Published by IPEC Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (by-nc-nd) License. (CC-BY-NC-ND 4.0:

FAQs

What is the purpose of examining Kayoino-ba roles in older adults?

The study aims to determine whether holding roles in Kayoino-ba is associated with differences in Ikigai, functional abilities, and frailty among older adults.

How were physical function and Ikigai assessed in this study?

Physical function was measured using grip strength, the five-times sit-to-stand test, the 5-meter walking time, and the Timed Up and Go test. Ikigai was evaluated as the dependent variable.

What were the key findings related to frailty and Ikigai?

Participants with group roles had significantly lower frailty and superior performance in multiple measures, including Ikigai-9 and related checklists. They also had a significantly greater likelihood of reporting Ikigai (OR 7.14, 95% CI 1.12–45.52).

Sep 29, 2026

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