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.