“… Exercise opportunities became very important”: Scottish older adults’ changes in physical activity during Covid19’

Tomaz, S. A. et al. (2022) “… Exercise opportunities became very important”: Scottish older adults’ changes in physical activity during Covid19’. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 19, 16. (doi: 10.1186/s11556-022-00295-z) (PMID:35780094) (PMCID:PMC9250220)

Abstract

Background: The purpose of this study was to explore perceived changes in physical activity (PA) due to Covid19 stay-at-home and social distancing guidance among older adults. Methods: Participants (n = 1429, 77% female, 84% ≥60 years) living in Scotland completed an online survey in Summer 2020 measuring PA and wellbeing (indexed through loneliness, and health-related quality of life). The survey included open- and closed-ended questions about how these variables changed in response to Covid19 social distancing and ‘shielding’ guidelines. Results: From the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the majority reported high volumes of PA, indicative of being ‘moderately’ or ‘highly’ active. When asked specifically about strength training, 12% reported engagement on ≥2d/wk. Most participants reported that PA had changed during this time, citing reduced use of exercise facilities, increased active travel, and online PA classes; although only 16% reported engaging in PA online. Conclusions: Higher levels of PA were found to be associated with better health-related quality of life. Additional efforts should be made to support PA engagement in older adults, including strength training and other tailored approaches to support individual needs.

• Item Type: Articles
• Additional Information: This project was supported by a Chief Scientist Office Rapid Response Covid19 grant COV/STG/20/08.
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Ryde, Dr Gemma
• Authors: Tomaz, S. A., Ryde, G. C., Swales, B., Neely, K. C., Andreis, F., Coffee, P., Connelly, J., Kirkland, A., McCabe, L., Watchman, K., Martin, J. G., Pina, I., and Whittaker, A. C.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health
• Journal Name: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity
• Publisher: BioMed Central
• ISSN: 1813-7253
• ISSN (Online): 1861-6909
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2022 The Authors
• First Published: First published in European Review of Aging and Physical Activity 19: 16
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License