Short physical performance battery score and driving a car are independent factors associated with life‐space activities in older adults with cardiovascular disease

Aim Decreased use of life spaces, as reflected in decreased Life‐Space Assessment (LSA) scores, is associated with poor prognosis in older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine factors affecting the extent of life‐space activities in older adults with cardiovascular disease. Methods We carried out a prospective observational study in 98 older adults (minimum age 65 years; mean age 79.5 ± 7.4 years) who were admitted to our hospital due to cardiovascular disease. Once their medical condition was stable, they underwent cardiopulmonary exercise testing, echocardiography and physical evaluation, and completed questionnaires. Results The LSA score was significantly associated with the ability to drive a car (driving 95.1 ± 21.1 points, not driving 60.4 ± 30.3 points, P < 0.001). In addition, LSA was significantly correlated with age; peak VO 2 ; brain natriuretic peptide; and Short Physical Performance Battery, Geriatric Depression Scale and Mini‐Mental State Examination scores. In a multiple regression analysis, Short Physical Performance Battery and driving a car were significantly associated with LSA (β = 0.28, β = 0.37, respectively). Conclusion Assessment of motor function and social factors in addition to clinical cardiac function might be important to understand the complete context of life‐space activity in older adults with cardiovascular disease. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2021; 21: 900–906 .