Changes in Walking Difficulty and Grip Strength in Relation to Transitions to Nonparticipation in Leisure Activities Among Older Adults in Japan

Background/Objectives: Older adults may cease leisure activities as physical function changes, but perceived mobility limitations and objectively measured muscle strength may capture different aspects of this process. We examined associations between changes in walking difficulty and grip strength and transitions to nonparticipation in travel, dining out, and hobbies or lessons. Methods: We analyzed the 2012 and 2017 waves of a nationwide panel survey of older adults in Japan. Activity-specific logistic regression models adjusted for baseline characteristics and changes in depressive symptoms and living circumstances. Common-sample and Firth regression analyses assessed sensitivity. Results: The activity-specific analytical samples ranged from 537 to 841 participants. Worsening walking difficulty was associated with increased odds of nonparticipation in the activities examined, whereas declining grip strength was most clearly associated with nonparticipation in hobbies (adjusted odds ratio per 5-kg decline, 1.74; 95% confidence interval, 1.19–2.55). Differences between activities were not robustly established in the primary analyses. Conclusions: Mobility difficulty and measured muscle strength may provide complementary information when assessing changes in older adults’ leisure participation. Their associations with nonparticipation should be interpreted alongside activity preferences and contextual barriers, without assuming a causal direction.