International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Research

10 pages, 328 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Feasibility of Virtually Delivering Functional Fitness Assessments and a Fitness Training Program in Community-Dwelling Older Adults

by Christian Thompson, Kathryn N. Porter Starr, Elizabeth Chmelo Kemp, June Chan, Emily Jackson and Justin Phun

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(11), 5996; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20115996 - 30 May 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2203

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic limited older adults’ access to preventative and diagnostic services and negatively affected accessibility to age-appropriate exercise programs. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting guided virtual functional fitness assessments before and after participation in an [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic limited older adults’ access to preventative and diagnostic services and negatively affected accessibility to age-appropriate exercise programs. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility of conducting guided virtual functional fitness assessments before and after participation in an 8-week virtual, live fitness program (Vivo) designed for older adults. It was hypothesized there would be no significant difference between in-person and virtual functional fitness assessments and function would improve following the program. Thirteen community-dwelling older adults were recruited, screened, and randomly assigned to in-person-first or virtual-first fitness assessment groups. Validated assessments were delivered using standardized scripts by trained researchers and included Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) balance, a 30 s Chair Stand Test, 8 Foot Up-and-Go Test, 30 s Arm Curl Test, and 2 min Step Test. The eight-week, twice-a-week live virtual fitness program involved cardiovascular, balance, agility, Dual-Task, and strength training. Results showed no significant differences between all but one assessment measures, and several measures improved following the eight-week program. Fidelity checks demonstrated the high fidelity of program delivery. These findings illustrate that virtual assessments can be a feasible method to measure functional fitness in community-dwelling older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Lifestyle and Healthcare)

13 pages, 340 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Taking Charge: Social Support Dynamics among Older Adults and Their Significant Others in COVID-19 Vaccination and Mitigation Efforts

by Mark Brennan-Ing, Yiyi Wu, Jasmine A. Manalel and Ruth Finkelstein

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 4869; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064869 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1638

Abstract

Older people have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are often portrayed as passive victims of this global health crisis. However, older adults do take responsibility for their own health and that of others in large part through social network dynamics. [...] Read more.

Older people have been disproportionately affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and are often portrayed as passive victims of this global health crisis. However, older adults do take responsibility for their own health and that of others in large part through social network dynamics. The purpose of this study was to understand the processes whereby older adults’ social networks shape their own health behaviors, and vice versa, in the context of COVID-19 vaccination and other mitigation efforts. Qualitative data from 77 older adults between ages 65 and 94 obtained through focus groups or individual interview participants were analyzed. Participant narratives demonstrated the reciprocal nature of social support and health behaviors and provided evidence that COVID-19-related health behaviors in this population were motivated by social support, altruism, and life experience. These findings emphasize older adults’ active role as health promoters in their families and communities, keeping themselves and their significant others safe from COVID infection. Implications for the role of older adults in community health promotion efforts are discussed. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Lifestyle and Healthcare)

14 pages, 599 KiB

Open AccessArticle

How COVID-19 News Affect Older Adults’ Mental Health—Evidence of a Positivity Bias

by Zoe Ziyi Ng, Grace Li, Suzanne Flynn and W. Quin Yow

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(5), 3950; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20053950 - 23 Feb 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2188

Abstract

Background: Media affects the trajectory of many individuals’ mental health—with media news, individuals experience negative bias more than positive bias. However, there is also evidence of an age-related positivity effect, with negativity bias generally fading with age. With the rise of COVID-19 cases, [...] Read more.

Background: Media affects the trajectory of many individuals’ mental health—with media news, individuals experience negative bias more than positive bias. However, there is also evidence of an age-related positivity effect, with negativity bias generally fading with age. With the rise of COVID-19 cases, older adults (aged 55 years and older) who consume media frequently are at a high risk for declining mental health. To date, there has been no research on the positivity vs. negativity bias of media news on older adults. Here, we investigated whether positivity or negativity bias plays a larger role in affecting how older adults react to COVID-19 news. Methods: Sixty-nine older adults (aged 55–95) answered questions about their weekly media consumption and how closely they followed news relating to COVID-19. They also completed a general health questionnaire. They were then randomly assigned to read either positive or negative COVID-19 news (n = 35 and 34, respectively). The adults were asked if the news made them feel happy or fearful, and if they wanted to read more about the news or ignore the news. Results: An analysis revealed that the more often older adults consumed media and the more closely they followed COVID-19 news, the more they felt unhappy and depressed. Importantly, older adults who read positive news reported stronger responses than those who read negative news. Older adults appeared to have a strong positivity bias for COVID-19 news, reporting feeling happy and wanting to read about positive news. In contrast, negative COVID-19 news did not evoke similar levels of response from the older adults. Conclusions: Media consumption of COVID-19 news does negatively impact the mental well-being of older adults, but older adults appear to have a strong positivity bias and a lack of negativity bias for COVID-19 news. These findings suggest that older adults can remain hopeful and positive during periods of public health crises and intense stress, which is essential to sustaining their mental well-being during difficult times. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Lifestyle and Healthcare)

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15 pages, 1165 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mechanisms of Physical Exercise Effects on Anxiety in Older Adults during the COVID-19 Lockdown: An Analysis of the Mediating Role of Psychological Resilience and the Moderating Role of Media Exposure

by Shuangshuang Xin and Xiujie Ma

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3588; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043588 - 17 Feb 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2327

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of physical exercise on anxiety in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, as well as the mediating role of psychological resilience and the moderating role of media exposure. An online questionnaire was [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of physical exercise on anxiety in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, as well as the mediating role of psychological resilience and the moderating role of media exposure. An online questionnaire was used to survey older adults in Chengdu, Southwest China. A total of 451 older adults aged 60 years and older participated in the study (209 males and 242 females). The results suggest that physical exercise negatively influenced anxiety symptoms in older adults; psychological resilience mediated the effect of physical exercise on anxiety in older adults and negatively predicted it; furthermore, media exposure moderated the effects of physical exercise and psychological resilience on anxiety, and low levels of media exposure strengthened these effects. This study suggests that participation in physical exercise and reduced media exposure during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown may have reduced anxiety in older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Lifestyle and Healthcare)

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18 pages, 1815 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Relationship between Physical Activity and Mental Depression in Older Adults during the Prevention and Control of COVID-19: A Mixed Model with Mediating and Moderating Effects

by Guoyan Xiong, Caixia Wang and Xiujie Ma

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3225; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043225 - 12 Feb 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3476

Abstract

Background: Several studies have found a strong relationship between physical activity and mental depression in older adults. Despite this, the social isolation, limited physical activity, and decreased social interactions caused by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic control measures of “home isolation and reduction unnecessary [...] Read more.

Background: Several studies have found a strong relationship between physical activity and mental depression in older adults. Despite this, the social isolation, limited physical activity, and decreased social interactions caused by the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic control measures of “home isolation and reduction unnecessary travel” had a significant mental impact on older adults. Objective: the goal of this study was to look into the complex effects of physical activity participation on mental health in older adults during COVID-19 prevention and control and the relationship between physical activity and mental depression in older adults through the mediating effect of self-efficacy and the moderating effect of social support. Methods: The Physical Activity Rating Scale (PARS-3), the Center for Streaming Depression Scale (CES-D), the Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) were used to assess 974 older adults in five urban areas of Chengdu, China. The SPSS was used to analyze the collected data using mathematical statistics, linear regression analysis, and the AMOS to construct the research model. Results: The study’s findings revealed that self-efficacy mediated the relationship between physical activity and mental depression in older adults (β = −0.101, 95%CI (−0.149, −0.058)), and social support moderated the relationship between physical activity and mental depression in older adults (t = −9.144, p < 0.01). Conclusions: Physical activity reduces psychological depressive symptoms in older adults and modulates psychological depression in older adults via the mediation efficacy of self-efficacy and the moderating effect of social support. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Lifestyle and Healthcare)

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14 pages, 364 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Nursing Home Residents’ Perceptions of Challenges and Coping Strategies during COVID-19 Pandemic in China

by Shuang Wu, Lily Dongxia Xiao, Jiahui Nan, Si Zhao, Ping Yin, Dou Zhang, Lulu Liao, Mengqi Li, Xiufen Yang and Hui Feng

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1485; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021485 - 13 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2322

Abstract

Older people in nursing homes are at a high risk of being infected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). They also experienced nursing home lockdowns that harm their psychological wellbeing. Better support for this vulnerable population requires understanding their perceptions of challenges and coping [...] Read more.

Older people in nursing homes are at a high risk of being infected by coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). They also experienced nursing home lockdowns that harm their psychological wellbeing. Better support for this vulnerable population requires understanding their perceptions of challenges and coping strategies during the COVID-19 pandemic. A qualitative descriptive study was conducted using semi-structured interviews. Thematic analysis approach was used to analyze the data. Participants were recruited from six nursing homes in three cities in Hunan Province, China. Fourteen nursing home residents participated in the study. Four themes were identified from interviews and described as: mental stress and coping strategies, self-regulation to respond to lockdown, the lack of social connection and coping strategies, and the need for medical care services and coping strategies. This study revealed that nursing home residents perceived stress during the nursing home lockdown, but they reported initiating activities to maintain health and connections with their families and peers. Resilience improvement interventions are necessary to enable residents’ autonomy and develop their resilience in coping with difficulties and hardship during crises. The findings also indicate that a supportive environment with interactions from families, peers, and staffs played a key role in enabling residents’ positive health and wellbeing during the lockdown. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Lifestyle and Healthcare)

17 pages, 381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Changes in Volunteering of Older Adults in the Time of the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Motivations

by Andrea Principi, Davide Lucantoni, Sabrina Quattrini, Mirko Di Rosa and Marco Socci

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 14755; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192214755 - 10 Nov 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2235

Abstract

This paper elucidates the relationship between possible changes in volunteering experienced by older people during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their motivation to volunteer, as well as the direct or indirect experience of COVID-19 symptoms. Given the well-known positive benefits of volunteering in older [...] Read more.

This paper elucidates the relationship between possible changes in volunteering experienced by older people during the COVID-19 pandemic, and their motivation to volunteer, as well as the direct or indirect experience of COVID-19 symptoms. Given the well-known positive benefits of volunteering in older age both for individuals (in terms of improved health and wellbeing) and society at large, there is a paucity of studies on older volunteers in the time of COVID-19. In this context, older people’s volunteering was highly challenged due to age-based physical and social restrictions put in place by national governments, which have been considered as ageist by a large part of the gerontological scientific community. This study was carried out on a sample of 240 Italian older volunteers. The results suggest that during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially older volunteers driven by social goals (e.g., opportunities to have relationships with others) were able to continue volunteer activities without needing to change them. The study also clarified that having directly or indirectly experienced COVID-19 symptoms did not influence changes in voluntary activities of older people. These results have important policy implications, given the indication that through volunteering, older individuals may try to counter the undesired calls by the governments for self-isolation and physical distancing. It is important that in emergency situations involving older people, policy makers should not treat them as only recipients of health and social care, but also as useful providers of help in the community. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Lifestyle and Healthcare)

15 pages, 963 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Guozhuang Dance on the Subjective Well-Being of Older Adults: The Chain Mediating Effect of Group Identity and Self-Efficacy

by Yuanzheng Lin, Bin Zhao and Xiujie Ma

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14545; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114545 - 5 Nov 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2842

Abstract

Background: In the context of the gradually accelerating aging of the population, the subjective well-being of older adults has received extensive research attention. Guozhuang Dance is a collective aerobic exercise that plays an important role in the physical activity of older Chinese adults. [...] Read more.

Background: In the context of the gradually accelerating aging of the population, the subjective well-being of older adults has received extensive research attention. Guozhuang Dance is a collective aerobic exercise that plays an important role in the physical activity of older Chinese adults. Studying the intrinsic relationship between Guozhuang Dance and the subjective well-being can help improve the quality of life and well-being of older adults in their later years. This study was conducted in Chengdu City, Sichuan Province, China, where many older adults practice Guozhuang Dance. Previous studies pointed out that group identity and self-efficacy can influence well-being in a collective exercise. Methods: For this study, we recruited 520 adults (male = 228, female = 292) aged 65 years or older from Chengdu who participated in Guozhuang Dance, to conduct a survey to understand the effect of this exercise on their subjective well-being. The Guozhuang Dance exercise scale, the group identity scale, the self-efficacy scale, and the subjective well-being scale were used in the study. We used SPSS for the descriptive statistical analysis, and AMOS for the structural equation modeling. Results: The results of the study show that Guozhuang Dance has a positive effect on enhancing the subjective well-being of older adults and can increase the subjective well-being through the chain mediating effect of group identity and self-efficacy. Conclusions: We suggest that effective measures should be taken to encourage older adults to participate in Guozhuang Dance, in order to enhance their subjective well-being. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Lifestyle and Healthcare)

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10 pages, 1503 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Online Exercise Training Program for Brazilian Older Adults: Effects on Physical Fitness and Health-Related Variables of a Feasibility Study in Times of COVID-19

by Wagner Albo da Silva, Valéria Feijó Martins, Aline Nogueira Haas and Andréa Kruger Gonçalves

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14042; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114042 - 28 Oct 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2804

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic brought negative consequences such as social isolation and limited access to health services, especially for older adults. The objective was to evaluate effects of an online exercise training program and physical fitness and health-related variables on Brazilian older adults during [...] Read more.

The COVID-19 pandemic brought negative consequences such as social isolation and limited access to health services, especially for older adults. The objective was to evaluate effects of an online exercise training program and physical fitness and health-related variables on Brazilian older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic and secondarily to assess the feasibility and application of an online program. A study was developed with twenty older adults who participated in a 9-month online exercise program. The physical fitness, depressive symptoms, concern about falling, and quality of life were assessed pre- and post-intervention. One-way repeated measures ANOVA and effect size was used. The feasibility was proven by the adherence to the program, in addition to the absence of identification of adverse effects. The results showed that physical fitness was improved (upper limb strength) or maintained (lower limb strength, lower and upper limb flexibility, cardiorespiratory fitness), as well as for most of the health-related variables (depressive symptoms, concern about falling, and quality of life domains). The study was developed in the first COVID-19 lockdown in Brazil, but positive and important results were obtained. This research supports the feasibility of the online exercise training program and provides a basis for an online exercise program for older adults. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Lifestyle and Healthcare)

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9 pages, 1097 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Characteristics of Japanese Older Adults Whose Trunk Muscle Mass Decreased during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Tamaki Hirose, Yohei Sawaya, Masahiro Ishizaka, Naori Hashimoto, Akihiro Ito, Yoshiaki Endo, Kaoru Kobayashi, Akihiro Yakabi, Ko Onoda, Tsuyoshi Hara, Miyoko Watanabe, Masafumi Itokazu, Akira Kubo and Tomohiko Urano

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11438; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811438 - 11 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2495

Abstract

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic significantly affected the physical and mental functions in older adults, resulting in “corona-frailty”. This 2-year prospective study characterized changes in quantitative measures and corona-frailty among a cohort of community-dwelling older women. Changes were evaluated using face-to-face interactions with 39 [...] Read more.

The coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic significantly affected the physical and mental functions in older adults, resulting in “corona-frailty”. This 2-year prospective study characterized changes in quantitative measures and corona-frailty among a cohort of community-dwelling older women. Changes were evaluated using face-to-face interactions with 39 Japanese women (mean age: 76.1 ± 5.9) in 2019 (pre-pandemic baseline) and 2021 (follow-up during the pandemic). Quantitative measurements of handgrip strength, walking speed, calf circumference, body composition, and background factors were evaluated. Body weight and trunk muscle mass significantly decreased at follow-up. Multiple regression analysis, using change in trunk muscle mass as the dependent variable and background factors as independent variables, identified that decrease in trunk muscle mass was associated with “being robust at baseline” and answering “Yes” to the question of “Do you go out less frequently compared with last year”? The 2-year trunk muscle mass change for each baseline frailty stage showed a significant decrease only in the robust group (−8.0%). The decrease in trunk muscle mass might be related to pandemic-induced lifestyle restraint, suggesting that robust older adults who are healthy and active should take measures that focus on trunk muscles to avoid “corona-frailty”. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Lifestyle and Healthcare)

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10 pages, 339 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Level of Concern, Spending, and External Support Related to COVID-19: A Comparison between Working and Non-Working Older Adults

by Zuojin Yu, Aurora B. Le, Alexa Doerr and Todd D. Smith

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11375; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191811375 - 9 Sep 2022

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1589

Abstract

This study compared levels of concern, spending, and use of external support by working status among older adults in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. It assessed whether work influences these variables related to wellness. Data from 2489 older adults from the 2020 [...] Read more.

This study compared levels of concern, spending, and use of external support by working status among older adults in the U.S. during the COVID-19 pandemic. It assessed whether work influences these variables related to wellness. Data from 2489 older adults from the 2020 U.S. Health and Retirement Study were analyzed using multiple linear and logistic regression. Older adults who worked had lower concerns about the pandemic (β = −0.28, p = 0.048), were less likely to increase their spending (OR = 0.74, p = 0.041), and were less likely to use external support (OR = 0.50, p < 0.001). Use of external support increased with age (OR = 1.04, p < 0.001) and increased spending (OR = 1.32, p = 0.019). Married older adults were less likely to increase spending (OR = 0.75, p = 0.007) and had lower concerns toward COVID-19 (β = −0.28, p = 0.011). Higher levels of concern were reported among women (β = 0.31, p = 0.005) and participants who had friends or family members diagnosed with COVID-19 (β = 0.51, p < 0.001). Women were more likely to use support (OR = 1.80, p < 0.001). Work appears to bolster older adult wellness outcomes. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Lifestyle and Healthcare)

19 pages, 760 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Influence of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Medication Reconciliation in Frail Elderly People at Hospital Discharge: Perception of Healthcare Professionals

by María Jesús Rojas-Ocaña, E. Begoña García-Navarro, Sonia García-Navarro, María Eulalia Macías-Colorado, Servando Manuel Baz-Montero and Miriam Araujo-Hernández

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10348; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610348 - 19 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2172

Abstract

The current demographic panorama in Spain corresponds to an aging population; this situation is characterized by the need to care for an elderly population, which contains polymedicated and pluripathological individuals. Polymedication is a criterion of frailty in the elderly and a risk factor [...] Read more.

The current demographic panorama in Spain corresponds to an aging population; this situation is characterized by the need to care for an elderly population, which contains polymedicated and pluripathological individuals. Polymedication is a criterion of frailty in the elderly and a risk factor for mortality and morbidity due to the increased risk of drug interactions and medication errors. There are numerous studies that measure reconciliation at hospital discharge and at admission, and even the methodology of reconciliation, but we have not found many studies that measure reconciliation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic from the point of view of health professionals regarding difficulties and the strategies carried out, which is essential to begin to glimpse solutions. Methods. This was a qualitative study based on 21 in-depth interviews and two discussion groups, conducted between January and April 2021 (13 nurses and 8 doctors, in rural and urban areas). The discourse was analyzed according to the Taylor–Bodgan model and processed using Atlas.ti software. Results. The areas altered by the health crisis were access to patients, their reconciliation of medication, and changes in the care modality, including the greater use of telephone communication, changes in work organization, and time dedicated to patient care and family work. Difficulties encountered during COVID-19: change in medication format, the specific characteristics of the patient and their pathologies, and difficulties arising from communication with the patient and their family. The strategies applied: the collaboration of home assistants and caregivers, emphasis on patient–health professional communication, and the use of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT). Conclusion. The discharge was interrupted by the health crisis caused by COVID-19, in terms of both the traditional access of patients and by the remote care modalities generated by telemedicine. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Lifestyle and Healthcare)

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12 pages, 672 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Capturing the Features of Physical Activity in Old Adults during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Results of an Italian Survey

by Francesca Gallè, Elita Anna Sabella, Marco Di Muzio, Benedetta Barchielli, Giovanna Da Molin, Stefano Ferracuti, Giorgio Liguori, Giovanni Battista Orsi and Christian Napoli

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(11), 6868; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19116868 - 3 Jun 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2146

Abstract

The restriction measures adopted to control the COVID-19 pandemic had significant consequences on individuals’ lifestyles. This study is aimed at assessing the amount and type of habitual physical activity (PA) in older adults during the advanced phase of the pandemic and their possible [...] Read more.

The restriction measures adopted to control the COVID-19 pandemic had significant consequences on individuals’ lifestyles. This study is aimed at assessing the amount and type of habitual physical activity (PA) in older adults during the advanced phase of the pandemic and their possible relationships with sociodemographic aspects. A questionnaire that included sociodemographic characteristics and the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) was administered online to elderly subjects living in the Apulia region, South Italy. A sample of 939 participants (57.1% F; mean age 75.9 ± 6.3) was obtained. In total, 68.8% of female respondents reported a decrease in PA during the pandemic, while 55.1% of men maintained their previous levels (<0.001). The total PASE score did not differ between gender groups (median value 91.7 in males vs. 90.0 in females; p = 0.067). However, differences were registered in leisure activities, particularly regarding walking (23.8 ± 14.8 in males vs. 20.2 ± 14.6 in females; p = 0.001). Higher PA levels were related with lower age (OR 0.253; 95% CI 0.192–0.333; p = 0.001). Since inactivity can affect elderly health and wellbeing, and considering the impact of the COVID-19 lockdown on this habit, health promotion strategies to counteract the negative effects of the pandemic should include interventions aimed at increasing PA in this sub-group of the population, especially among women and elderly subjects. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Lifestyle and Healthcare)

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15 pages, 1256 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Frailty among Older People during the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic in The Netherlands

by Martine J. Sealy, Fons van der Lucht, Barbara C. van Munster, Wim P. Krijnen, Hans Hobbelen, Hans A. Barf, Evelyn J. Finnema and Harriët Jager-Wittenaar

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3669; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063669 - 19 Mar 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 3432

Abstract

Restrictive measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic may cause problems in the physical, social, and psychological functioning of older people, resulting in increased frailty. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of frailty, to examine differences in perceived [...] Read more.

Restrictive measures due to the COVID-19 pandemic may cause problems in the physical, social, and psychological functioning of older people, resulting in increased frailty. In this cross-sectional study, we aimed to assess the prevalence and characteristics of frailty, to examine differences in perceived COVID-19-related concerns and threats between frail and non-frail people and to identify variables associated with frailty in the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, in Dutch older people aged ≥ 65 years. We used data from the Lifelines COVID-19 Cohort Study. The Groningen Frailty Indicator (GFI) was used, with a score ≥ 4 indicating frailty. Frailty was described per domain (i.e., physical, cognitive, social, and psychological). The association between demographic, health and lifestyle variables and frailty was determined with logistic regression analyses. Frailty was present in 13% of the 11,145 participants that completed the GFI. Most items contributing to a positive frailty score were found within the social domain, in the frail (51%) and the non-frail (59%) persons. For items related to concerns and threats, a significantly higher proportion of frail people reported being worried or feeling threatened. In conclusion, during Corona restrictions, prevalence of frailty was considerable in older people from the Northern Netherlands, with one in eight being frail. Frailty was characterized by social problems and frail people were more often worried and felt threatened by the COVID-19 pandemic. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Lifestyle and Healthcare)

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21 pages, 422 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Factors Worsening and Mitigating the Consequences of the COVID-19 Outbreak on the Overall Health of Informal Caregivers of Older People with Long-Term Care Needs Living in Germany and in Italy

by Sara Santini, Marco Socci, Paolo Fabbietti, Giovanni Lamura and Andrea Teti

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1694; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031694 - 1 Feb 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2710

Abstract

Population ageing and the higher prevalence of multimorbidity in later life are increasing the demand for Long-Term Care (LTC) worldwide; this has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As in Europe and beyond, the bulk of care for frail older people is carried [...] Read more.

Population ageing and the higher prevalence of multimorbidity in later life are increasing the demand for Long-Term Care (LTC) worldwide; this has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As in Europe and beyond, the bulk of care for frail older people is carried out by informal caregivers. This study aimed at understanding the factors affecting the overall worsening health of informal caregivers of older people with LTC needs living in Germany and Italy during the outbreak. To this purpose, 319 informal caregivers (149 in Germany and 173 in Italy) were surveyed online in 2020–2021. A logistic regression analysis was performed by country, to obtain an adjusted estimate of the risk of worsening of caregivers’ health. This risk increased by 42% for German caregivers compared to Italian ones, despite the former receiving more formal services. This may depend on different quality standards of LTC services and caregivers’ expectations, and on differing policies concerning migrant care workers (MCWs) during the outbreak, who could not enter Germany and were “trapped” at care recipients’ homes in Italy. Results call for in-home care reforms and policies guaranteeing more effective caregiver support, home care services and fairer working condition for MCWs in both countries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Impact of COVID-19 on Older Adults’ Lifestyle and Healthcare)

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