Factors associated with physical activity reduction in Swedish older adults during the first COVID-19 outbreak: a longitudinal population-based study

Abstract

Background Physical activity (PA) decreased during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially among older adults, potentially leading to adverse consequences for their health. However, factors associated with reductions of PA during the pandemic have not been examined in a population-based sample of older adults. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the association of pre-pandemic physical, mental, social and lifestyle factors with reductions in PA in older adults during the first wave of COVID-19, and whether the associations differed by age and sex. Methods A population-based sample of 624 participants aged 65-99 years were identified from the Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen (SNAC-K) COVID19 Study. Information on pre-pandemic factors was collected through clinical examinations, interviews, and self-administered questionnaires in 2016-2019. Changes in light and intense PA during the first wave of the pandemic (May-September 2020) were self-reported. Data were analyzed using multiple logistic regression models, stratified by age (<70 vs. >80 years) and sex. Results There was an association between pre-pandemic levels of higher depressive symptom burden (Odds Ratio (OR): 2.6, 95% Confidence Interval (CI): 1.1-6.4, <70 years), and impaired balance (OR: 1.7, 95% CI: 1.0-2.8, >80 years old) with reductions in light-intensity PA. Furthermore, the presence of musculoskeletal disease (OR: 1.8, 95% CI: 1.1-2.9, <70 years; OR: 2.3, 95% CI: 1.2-4.4, men), moderate/high levels of neuroticism (OR: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.0-2.6, <70 years; OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.3-3.5, women), and poor levels of social support (OR: 2.2, 95% CI: 1.2-4.3, >80 years) were related to reductions in higher-intensity PA. Those who were current smokers (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.1-0.8, <70 years; OR: 0.2, 95% CI: 0.06-0.7, women), or had impaired balance (OR: 0.4, 95% CI: 0.2-0.8, >80 years) were less likely to reduce their levels of higher-intensity PA. Conclusions For future pandemics or waves of COVID-19, development of strategies is warranted for older individuals with psychiatric- or physical illness/dysfunction, as well as those with poor social support to counteract reductions in physical activities.

Do selected lifestyle parameters affect the severity and symptoms of COVID-19 among elderly patients? The retrospective evaluation of individuals from the STOP-COVID registry of the PoLoCOV study

“…Recently, a longitudinal prospective observational cohort study by Ayling et al revealed that more psychological distress during the early pandemic phase was significantly associated with further reports of SARS-CoV-2 infection, as well as with more severe disease and a greater number of symptoms [39] . Sjöberg et al concluded that for future pandemics or waves of COVID-19, the appropriate strategies are required to counteract physical inactivity, especially among older individuals [40] . Regarding COVID-related stress, Hadjistavropoulos and Asmundson conceptualized several ways in which the pandemic may uniquely impact stress levels among the elderly [41] .…”

Predictors of Sustained Physical Activity During the COVID-19 Pandemic in People With Parkinson Disease in Sweden

“…46 Balance impairments and depressive symptoms have previously also been found to be independent predictors of reduction in PA during the pandemic in older adults in Sweden. 26 Age (<70 years), higher perceived walking ability, and level of education were identified as independent predictors of sustained PA during the pandemic in PwPD. Previous prepandemic studies have identified walking ability, balance control, 47,48 and cognition 42 as independent predictors of PA in PwPD.…”

“…In accordance with the stricter preventive measures for older adults, 60% of people older than 65 years living in Sweden showed a pandemic-related reduction in PA 25 and factors associated with reduced PA were more severe depressive symptoms, reduced balance control, presence of musculoskeletal disease, and poor levels of social support. 26 Predictors of sustained PA levels during the pandemic in PwPD have not yet been investigated.…”

The seasonal variation of physical activity and quality of life during the first wave of the COVID‐19 pandemic in Finnish older golfers: A cross‐sectional study

“…Older adults have been claimed to be particularly vulnerable to the negative health effects of social isolation and quarantines 35 . A Swedish study of older adults aged 65–99 years old found an association between the prepandemic burden of higher depressive symptom levels and with reductions in light‐intensity PA during the first wave of the pandemic 36 . A previous study from Finland showed the association of good QoL and higher walking speed in older adults 37 .…”