Association between community attachment and social activity participation among older adults in depopulated areas: a...

Objective: This study investigated the relationship between social activity participation and community attachment among older adults living in depopulated areas stratified by gender. Materials and Methods: Data from a 2023 survey of 2,642 community-dwelling older adults residing in a depopulated area were used. Logistic regression analyses were conducted separately for men and women, with community attachment as the dependent variable, nine social activities as explanatory variables, and adjustments for age, years of residence, depression, and social support. Results: The mean residence length was 49.1 years. Among men, participation in paid work was consistently and significantly associated with community attachment across all models (odds ratio, 1.52; 95% confidence interval, 1.05-2.20). Among women, participation in sports clubs was significantly associated with community attachment in all models except the final model after adjusting for all other social activities. No significant gender-based differences were found in community attachment, with >70% of men and women reporting high levels. Our findings suggest that for men, community attachment is underpinned by a sense of role fulfillment and contribution to the community through employment. In contrast, for women, long-term residential history, community ties, and mental health-as life foundations developed over years of living in the area-supported community attachment more than participation in any specific activity. Conclusion: Gender-specific, multifaceted support is necessary for care prevention in depopulated areas. For men, establishing a framework for lifelong active employment and for women, creating gatherings that sustain informal social connections, and building outreach-based consultation systems are important.