Due to the dramatic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, Spain underwent a strict lockdown (March–May 2020). How the lockdown modified older adults’ physical activity (PA) has been poorly described. This research assesses the effect of the lockdown on PA levels and identifies predictors of sufficient/insufficient PA in frail older community-dwellers. Community-dwelling participants from the +ÀGIL Barcelona frailty intervention program, suspended during the pandemic, underwent a phone-assessment during the lockdown. PA was measured before and after the lockdown using the Brief Physical Activity Assessment Tool (BPAAT). We included 98 frail older adults free of COVID-19 (mean age = 82.7 years, 66.3% women, mean Short Physical Performance Battery = 8.1 points). About one third of participants (32.2%) were not meeting sufficient PA levels at the end of the lockdown. Depressive symptoms (OR = 0.12, CI95% = 0.02–0.55) and fatigue (OR = 0.11, CI95% = 0.03–0.44) decreased the odds of maintaining sufficient PA, whereas maintaining social networks (OR = 5.07, CI95% = 1.60–16.08) and reading (OR = 6.29, CI95% = 1.66–23.90) increased it. Living alone was associated with the reduction of PA levels (b = −1.30, CI95% = −2.14–−0.46). In our sample, pre-lockdown mental health, frailty-related symptoms and social relationships were consistently associated with both PA levels during-lockdown and pre-post change. These data suggest considering specific plans to maintain PA levels in frail older community-dwellers.

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BackgroundDifferent programs promote healthy ageing through the optimisation of intrinsic capacity. However, a major challenge is to assess their sustained effects over time. +AGIL Barcelona, a consolidated multidomain program, aims to optimise older adults' intrinsic capacity through a coordinated approach among primary care, geriatrics and community resources, in agreement with the Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) guidelines. We aimed to evaluate the +AGIL Barcelona longitudinal effect on older adults' physical performance.MethodsAll +AGIL Barcelona consecutive participants since 2016 were enrolled. After a Comprehensive Geriatric Assessment (CGA), a tailored, multidisciplinary intervention aligned with the ICOPE guidelines is offered. It includes a 10‐week boost multicomponent exercise program, nutritional and sleep‐hygiene counselling, revision and optimisation of pharmacological treatments, and screening for cognitive impairment, depression and loneliness. Changes in physical performance after three and six months were assessed using mixed models including baseline frailty degree, time, and all potential significant confounders.ResultsWe included 194 participants in the analysis (mean age = 81.6 [SD = 5.8], 68% women). An independent, clinically and statistically significant improvement in physical performance (Short Performance Physical Battery test, combining gait speed, strength and balance) was found at three months (SPPB mean change: 1.4; 95%CI: 1.1‐1.6) and six months (SPPB mean change: 1.1; 95%CI 0.8‐1.5). Equivalent results were observed for all the SPPB sub‐tests.ConclusionsA coordinated, multidisciplinary, integrated program can benefit older adults' intrinsic capacity. The participants' empowerment and the connection with the available community resources are critical points for a successful intervention.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Background This study identifies correlates of the lockdown’s psychological distress in frail older community-dwellers (Catalonia, Spain). Methods Participants from a community frailty intervention program, with a comprehensive geriatric assessment within the 12-months pre-lockdown and COVID-19 free during the first pandemic wave (March–May 2020), underwent a phone assessment past the lockdown to assess COVID-19-related emotional distress (DME) as well as other sociodemograhic, clinical and psychosocial factors. Results Of the 94 frail older adults (age = 82,34 ± 6,12 years; 68,1% women; 38,3% living alone), 84,9% were at risk of experiencing moderate-to-high psychological distress, according to the backward stepwise logistic regression model obtained (χ2 = 47,007, p < 0,001, Nagelkerke R2 = 0,528), based on the following factors: absence of depressive symptoms before lockdown (OR = 0,12, p = 0,014, 95%CI[0,023–0,647]), not carrying out leisure activities during lockdown (OR = 0,257, p = 0,023, 95%CI[0,079–0,832]) and currently experiencing high malaise due to COVID-19 situation (OR = 1,504, p < 0,001, 95%CI[1,241–1,822]). Discussion These findings suggest that it is necessary to favour a prior overall health status and to empower frail older community-dwellers in the use of a broad repertoire of coping strategies in the face of adversity to foster mental health and keep at bay the potential emotional impact of the situation generated by the COVID pandemic.