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

Abstract

Although several studies have reported an inverse association between cycling and mortality in the general population, prospective studies in older adults have not reached a consensus on the longevity effect of cycling. Additionally, among older adults, focusing on mortality and healthy longevity without a functional disability is important to preserve their quality of life and to stabilize the national economy. We examined the longitudinal association of cycling with incidences of functional disability and mortality among older adults from the viewpoint of baseline cycling volume and change in cycling status (no cycling, started, stopped, and maintained) based on two-point examinations. Data were obtained from an inventory mail survey in Kasama City, Japan. In total, 6385 and 3558 individuals reported their cycling status at baseline (2013) and second (2017) examinations, respectively, and they were followed up until 2023 using the city database. In Cox models with adjustment variables including sociodemographic, geographic, clinical historical, and physical activity, cyclists at baseline demonstrated a lower risk of both events than non-cyclists. In terms of changes in cycling status, maintaining cycling indicated lower risks of functional disability (HR: 0.74; 95% CI: 0.62–0.89) and mortality (HR: 0.69; 95% CI: 0.54–0.90). In subgroup analyses for non-drivers, a lower risk of functional disability was observed not only for those who cycled continually (HR: 0.59; 95% CI: 0.45–0.76), but also for those who started cycling (HR: 0.50; 95% CI: 0.28–0.88). In summary, cycling is associated with lower risks of functional disability and mortality, especially among non-drivers.