Association between Frequency of Going Out and Psychological Condition among Community-Dwelling Older Adults after the COVID-19 Pandemic in Japan

Abstract

Background: The psychological condition and frequency of going out (FGO) of community-dwelling older adults after the spread of COVID-19 will provide insights for supporting the daily lives of community-dwelling older adults. Going out is defined as moving from one’s own home to a place or region beyond one’s own home and is considered to reflect the daily and social life of community-dwelling older adults. This study investigates the relationship between the FGO and current psychological condition after the second wave of COVID-19 in community-dwelling older adults in Japan. Methods: This study adopted a self-administered questionnaire by mail. A total of 493 members of CO-OP Kagoshima were included in the analysis and divided into two groups according to the change in FGO. Multiple logistic regression analysis was conducted after a bivariate analysis to investigate the relationship between the FGO and psychological condition. Results: Significant differences were noted between the groups with decreased FGO and those with increased/unchanged FGO in general and pandemic-related psychological condition. Multiple logistic regression analysis showed a significant relationship between FGO and psychological condition, such as mental fatigue, not smiling as much as before, and anxiousness to go outside. Conclusion: Community-dwelling older adults may have experienced a decrease in the frequency of going out and a detrimental effect on their psychological condition after the COVID-19 pandemic. This finding may inform strategies to identify priorities for psychological approaches altered by COVID-19 to prevent confinement and stress in older adults.

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

“…Declining trunk muscle strength is caused by long-term inactivity [ 44 ]. It has already been reported that the older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic period decreased their frequency of going out, especially women, and that they were aware of their physical and mental decline due to voluntarily refraining from this activity [ 45 , 46 ]. Even during the COVID-19 pandemic, maintaining social participation is a key strategy for preventing sarcopenia and frailty [ 14 ].…”

Changes in Community-Dwelling Elderly’s Activity and Participation Affecting Depression during COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study

“…The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic forced people worldwide to refrain from going outdoors and partake in outdoor activities to prevent the spread of infection. As a result, the elderly in the community were particularly deprived of their important outdoor activity and social interactions in the wake of COVID-19 [1]. In Japan, the infection rate began to soar by the end of March 2020, with an alarming increase in severe infections.…”

Older Adults’ Frequency of Going Outside during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Associations with Physical Distancing, Health Status, and Fall Risk Factors

“…Going outside, referring to movement from one’s own dwelling to a place/location outside one’s own dwelling, reflects older adults’ daily physical activities and social engagements (e.g., taking a walk, working in garden/field, shopping, visiting family/friends, healthcare visit, volunteering, religious service attendance, traveling, or hobby activities) ( Baker et al, 2003 ; Fujita et al, 2006 ; Shimokihara et al, 2022 ). Research has shown multiple benefits of going outside and related physical and social activities for older adults’ physical and mental health.…”

“…The study showed that older adults’ destinations during COVID-19 were predominantly for physical exercise located closer to home. A study of Japanese older adults also found that decreased frequency of going outside due to COVID-19 had detrimental effects on their psychological conditions—mental fatigue, not smiling as much as before, and anxiousness to go outside ( Shimokihara et al, 2022 ). These informative studies show the importance of examining COVID-19’s impact on older adults’ daily lives.…”