Adherence
The COVID-19 pandemic and associated public health measures (social distancing, quarantine) caused a significant decrease in physical activity and exercise levels in older adults living independently, with nearly half of the sample reporting reduced activity.
If you are an older adult, be aware that the pandemic's restrictions likely caused you to be less active. This is a common and understandable reaction to fear and isolation. To counteract this, focus on safe, home-based exercises or low-density outdoor activities. Reconnecting with others, even virtually, can help restore your motivation to move.
About half of the sample (48.3–54.3%) reported a decrease in physical activity and exercise due to the pandemic.
Why this rating
Self-reported data from a large observational cohort; not an RCT.
Source
Self-Reported Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Nutrition and Physical Activity Behaviour in Dutch Older Adults Living Independently
Marjolein Visser et al. · Nutrients · 2020
DOI 10.3390/nu12123708
More from this paper
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased snacking, alcohol consumption, and weight gain in older adults, predisposing them to overnutrition.Moderate
- The COVID-19 pandemic led to decreased food intake, skipping warm meals, and weight loss in a subset of older adults, predisposing them to undernutrition.Moderate
Related findings · Adherence
- Regular physical activity (at least 150 minutes/week of moderate-intensity) reduces all-cause and cardiovascular mortality by 20-30% and lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes by 25-35%.Strong
- Increasing physical activity from a sedentary lifestyle to an active one in middle adulthood significantly reduces the risk of coronary events compared to remaining sedentary.Strong
- Resistance exercise is the only intervention capable of consistently restoring muscle function and strength in sarcopenia, partially overcoming age-related anabolic resistance.Strong
This is one finding among thousands. Every one is graded and traced to its source, so you can see what the evidence actually supports. Browse the research →