Bathing Frequency and Onset of Functional Disability Among Japanese Older Adults: A Prospective 3-Year Cohort Study From the JAGES

Abstract

BackgroundWhile bathing styles vary among countries, most Japanese people prefer tub bathing to showers and saunas. However, few studies have examined the relationship between tub bathing and health outcomes. Accordingly, in this prospective cohort study, we investigated the association between tub bathing frequency and the onset of functional disability among older people in Japan.MethodsWe used data from the Japan Gerontological Evaluation Study (JAGES). The baseline survey was conducted from August 2010 through January 2012 and enrolled 13,786 community-dwelling older people (6,482 men and 7,304 women) independent in activities of daily living. During a 3-year observation period, the onset of functional disability, identified by new certification for need of Long-Term Care Insurance, was recorded. Tub bathing frequencies in summer and winter at baseline were divided into three groups: low frequency (0–2 times/week), moderate frequency (3–6 times/week), and high frequency (≥7 times/week). We estimated the risks of functional disability in each group using a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model.ResultsFunctional disability was observed in a total of 1,203 cases (8.7%). Compared with the low-frequency group and after adjustment for 14 potential confounders, the hazard ratios of the moderate- and high-frequency groups were 0.91 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.75–1.10) and 0.72 (95% CI, 0.60–0.85) for summer and 0.90 (95% CI, 0.76–1.07) and 0.71 (95% CI, 0.60–0.84) for winter.ConclusionHigh tub bathing frequency is associated with lower onset of functional disability. Therefore, tub bathing might be beneficial for older people’s health.

Does Laughter Predict Onset of Functional Disability and Mortality Among Older Japanese Adults? The JAGES Prospective Cohort Study

“…We included a wide range of covariates in the analyses as potential confounders based on prior literature. 8 , 9 , 12 , 18 , 21 Information on sex, age, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, smoking habit, alcohol intake, family structure, social participation, depressive symptoms, cognitive function, instrumental activities of daily living (IADL), educational attainment, and equivalent income was obtained from a self-administered questionnaire. Smoking habit and alcohol intake were classified into the following three categories: current, ever, and never.…”

Risk Factors of Long-Term Care Insurance Certification in Japan: A Scoping Review

“…Yagi et al showed that a high frequency of bathing (≥7 times/week) was associated with a lower risk of functional disability compared to a low frequency of bathing (0 to 2 times/week) [ 44 ].…”

Long-Term Changes in Older Adults’ Independence Levels for Performing Activities of Daily Living in Care Settings: A Nine-Year Follow-Up Study

“…Bathing disability has been independently associated with an increased likelihood of long-term nursing home admission [ 43 ] and is a primary indicator of the need for home care services [ 44 ]. Japanese people generally prefer to take baths rather than taking showers or sauna baths not only for cleanliness but also to feel warm and refreshed as well as to aid in sleep [ 45 ]. Morris et al reported that individuals receiving home care in Hong Kong had the highest rate of grooming disabilities [ 22 ].…”