Ann Geriatr Med Res.  2025 Mar;29(1):102-110. 10.4235/agmr.24.0181.

Examination of Factors Associated with Self-Reported Cane Use among Community-Dwelling Older Adults

• Kamasaki T
• Otao H
• Hachiya M
• Kubo A
• Okawa H
• Sakamoto A
• Fujiwara K
• Hosaka K
• Kitajima T
• Shimokihara S
• Maruta M
• Han G
• Mizokami Y
• Kamata M
• Tabira T

• KMID: 2566112
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4235/agmr.24.0181

Abstract

Background
This study investigates factors influencing cane use among older adults and identifies most significant determinants.
Methods
This study is a cross-sectional study. A total of 160 community-dwelling older adults (mean age, 79±7 years) were included in the analysis. Binomial logistic regression analysis was conducted using the presence or absence of cane use as the dependent variable, and the associated factors were investigated.
Results
There were 108 participants (mean age, 77±7 years) in the cane-non-using group and 52 (mean age, 83±6 years) in the cane-using group. Factors associated with the presence or absence of cane use were open-eyed one-leg standing time (odds ratio [OR]=0.81; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70–0.93; p=0.003) and depressed mood (OR=2.78; 95% CI, 1.31–5.91; p=0.008).
Conclusion
Older adults with reduced balance ability and depressive mood need to use a cane. This highlights the need to assess balance ability and depressed mood in prescribing a cane to older adults. Appropriate prescription of canes has the potential to enrich the lives of older adults by contributing to their safe range of activities.

Keyword

Walking aids; Open-eyed one-leg stand time; Depressive moods; Older adults