In Japan, a considerable proportion of older adults rely on bicycles as a primary means of transportation. This trend is notably more prevalent than in Europe or the United States. Prior studies have highlighted the health benefits of cycling, linking it to increased physical activity and more robust social interactions. These benefits are particularly critical for older adults, as regular physical exercise can reduce the likelihood of requiring long-term care and lower overall mortality risk. However, long-term studies examining these effects within the Japanese context have been lacking despite the recognised advantages of cycling.
The present study sought to address this gap by exploring the long-term health impacts of cycling among older adults, focusing on two key research objectives. Firstly, it investigated the relationship between the frequency of bicycle use in 2013 and the subsequent need for long-term care and mortality over a decade-long follow-up period, extending to 2023. Secondly, it examined how changes in cycling habits, including nonuse, initiation, interruption, and continuation, affected the onset of long-term care needs or death at two critical points: 2013 and 2017. To provide a more nuanced understanding, the analysis focused on older adults who do not drive, recognising that nondrivers may particularly benefit from cycling to maintain independence and mobility.
The first strand of this research revealed that older adults who cycled in 2013 faced a significantly lower risk of requiring long-term care and a reduced likelihood of death over the following decade compared with those who did not cycle. This protective effect was especially pronounced among nondrivers, underscoring the critical role of cycling in supporting healthy ageing for those without access to cars.
The second aspect of the study provided further insights, demonstrating that older adults who continued cycling for at least four years, from 2013 to 2017, experienced notably lower risks of requiring long-term care and reduced mortality rates over the subsequent six years, compared with those who remained non-cyclists. This trend was even more striking among nondrivers, who sustained their cycling habits, and those who took up cycling during this period exhibited a significantly lower likelihood of needing long-term care.
These findings collectively suggest that cycling is a potent “lifestyle companion” for older adults, promoting both physical and mental well-being while potentially extending life expectancy. This is particularly relevant in Japan, where many older individuals voluntarily surrender their driving licences, making alternative forms of mobility increasingly crucial for maintaining independence. Given this demographic shift, there is a clear need for supportive policies and community initiatives that encourage and facilitate cycling among older adults, particularly those without the option to drive.
In conclusion, promoting cycling among older adults enhances their physical health. It contributes to broader social and psychological well-being, reducing the strain on long-term care systems and fostering a higher quality of life. As the ageing population in Japan continues to expand, recognising and nurturing this connection between mobility and health could have profound implications for public health strategies, helping to create a more active and resilient older generation.
More information: Kenji Tsunoda et al, Changes in cycling and incidences of functional disability and mortality among older Japanese adults, Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour. DOI: 10.1016/j.trf.2025.03.006
Journal information: Transportation Research Part F: Traffic Psychology and Behaviour Provided by University of Tsukuba
