Article
Details
Citation
Tomaz SA, Ryde GC, Swales B, Neely KC, Andreis F, Coffee P, Connelly J, Kirkland A, McCabe L, Watchman K, Martin JG, Pina I & Whittaker AC (2022) ". . . Exercise opportunities became very important": Scottish older adults' changes in physical activity during Covid19'. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 19, Art. No.: 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-022-00295-z
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% ¡Ý60?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 ¡Ý2d/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.
Keywords
Exercise; Walking; Sedentary; Copula model; GAM; Qualitative
Journal
European Review of Aging and Physical Activity: Volume 19
Status | Published |
---|---|
Funders | |
Publication date | 31/12/2022 |
Publication date online | 02/07/2022 |
Date accepted by journal | 02/06/2022 |
URL | |
ISSN | 1813-7253 |
eISSN | 1861-6909 |
People (8)
Senior Lecturer, Sport
Lecturer, Sport
Research Fellow, Institute for Social Marketing
Professor, Dementia and Ageing
Honorary Lecturer, Sport
Lecturer in Exercise Physiology, Sport
Professor, Health Sciences Âé¶¹´«Ã½AV
Professor of Behavioural Medicine, Sport