Comparison of intrinsic capacity factors in older individuals before and during COVID-19 in the context of healthy ageing in Baltic Countries

Abstract

The COVID-19 in the context of healthy ageing is associated with decline in body functional abilities and serious illness in older individuals. Regular assessment of ageing processes, including intrinsic capacity factors, provides an opportunity for better understanding of the individual’s functional abilities and vulnerabilities. Based on the data (2017–2020) from two waves (7 and 8) of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), an evaluation and comparison of the intrinsic capacity factors of older individuals (50+ years) before and during COVID-19 was conducted, including data from 4422 individuals in Baltic countries (from Latvia – 648, Lithuania – 1079 and Estonia – 2695). Excellent or very good health status before the outbreak reported 35.3% respondents in Latvia, 54.9% in Lithuania and 45.3% in Estonia (p < 0.001). On worsened health status since the outbreak reported 7% respondents in Latvia, 13.8% in Lithuania and 5.9% in Estonia (p < 0.001). Feeling of nervousness, depression and loneliness during COVID-19 outbreak increased among all respondents, regardless of nationality and severity of symptoms before outbreak (p < 0.001). The results indicate that during COVID-19 outbreak respondents were experiencing deterioration in cognitive and psychological health. To maintain the level of individual’s functional abilities during situations like COVID-19 outbreak preventive actions are needed by promoting physical activities and social networks, especially for older individuals.

Construction of healthy aging index from two different datasets

“…As these measures are often included in health and retirement studies and are proposed by the WHO for assessment of functional abilities, they can be used in a standardized score of healthy aging ( 5 , 10 , 21 , 24 , 32 – 35 ). Previous research related to the exploration of the intrinsic capacity factors for the Latvian population also confirms this evidence ( 36 , 37 ).…”

“…As these measures are often included in health and retirement studies and are proposed by the WHO for assessment of functional abilities, they can be used in a standardized score of healthy aging (5,10,21,24,(32)(33)(34)(35). Previous research related to the exploration of the intrinsic capacity factors for the Latvian population also confirms this evidence (36,37). Another vital component of healthy aging is social wellbeing, which can be investigated through questions about participation in different social activities, social networks, and social support (1).…”