Community gathering places participation and later functional disability and happiness among older adults in Japan

Abstract Background Community Gathering Places (CGPs) are a key population strategy in Japan’s healthy aging policy. However, evidence remains limited regarding their effects on frequency and content. Methods We included 1108 community-dwelling older adults (aged ≥ 65 years) in Nishiwaki City, Japan, who responded to two surveys in 2022 and 2023. Nishiwaki City, a semi-rural municipality in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan. We linked two survey waves and attendance records to create a three-timepoint dataset. We used linear regression and propensity score matching (PSM) to examine associations between CGPs participation and two outcomes: (1) functional disability prediction scores (range: 0–48) and (2) happiness (range: 0–10). We conducted subgroup and E-value analyses to test robustness and equity-related patterns. Results Among them, 269 (24.2%) participated monthly in CGPs. Monthly CGPs participants showed lower disability prediction scores ( B = − 0.82; 95% CI − 1.35 to − 0.29) and higher happiness ( B = 0.48; 95% CI 0.18 to 0.78) than non-participants. PSM results were consistent. Higher frequency of participation correlated with lower disability scores and greater happiness. Only CGPs that offered both exercise and tea gathering showed a positive association with happiness. Subgroup analyses showed no clear effect modification, although CGPs tended to narrow income-based disparities. Conclusions Local governments can use attendance records and early indicators such as the functional disability prediction scores and happiness to monitor and improve CGPs as part of their healthy aging strategies.