Association Between the Number of Daily Activities and Frailty in Older Adults Using a Community Salon: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background In aging populations like Japan, frailty among older adults has become a significant public health concern. While interventions have typically focused on exercise and nutrition, the roles of activity variety and environmental influences on frailty are less studied. Objective This study examined how daily activity engagement and environmental conditions relate to frailty status among older adults participating in community-based senior salons. Methods A cross-sectional analysis was conducted with 271 individuals aged 65 and older. Frailty was measured using the Kihon Checklist and categorized as robust, prefrail, or frail. Independent variables included the number of current and desired activities, physical activity habits, ICT use, and neighborhood characteristics such as population and housing density and proximity to parks, supermarkets, and bus stops. Multiple regression analysis was performed, adjusting for demographic and health-related factors. Results Among participants, 22.1% were classified as frail and 40.6% as prefrail. The robust group engaged in significantly more daily activities than those in the frail or prefrail groups (p < 0.01). ICT use and regular physical activity were also significantly associated with frailty. However, in the regression model, only the number of current activities remained a significant independent predictor of reduced frailty (β = −0.03, 95% CI − 0.05–0.01, p < 0.05). No significant associations were found with environmental factors. Conclusion Engaging in a greater number of daily activities is independently associated with lower frailty risk. Promoting varied, non-exercise-based activities may support frailty prevention among community-dwelling older adults.