A path analysis of the interdependent relationships between life space assessment scores and relevant factors in an elderly Japanese community

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the direct and indirect effects of factors influencing the risk of life space assessment using path analysis. [Participants and Methods] A sample of 212 elderly residents (at least 65 years old) with no clear indications of cognitive dysfunction, visual impairment, and physical dysfunction were recruited for the study. Data on these factors were collected from the participants at a community gathering using measures of life space assessment, skeletal muscle mass, lower extremity muscle strength, mobility, cognitive function, and fear of falling. Correlational and path analyses were used to investigate the relationships between these variables. [Results] The final path model satisfied the requisite statistical criteria, and subsequently, the relationships between the physiological and psychological factors associated with life space assessment were structured and represented visually. Age, skeletal muscle mass, fear of falling, and mobility had a direct effect on life space assessment, whereas lower extremity muscle strength and cognitive function affected it indirectly. [Conclusion] In this study, direct and indirect effects of physiological and psychological factors related to risk of life space assessment of the elderly were clarified using path analysis.