Older adults' physical activity after lockdown: Testing the health action process approach and the moderating role of fear of Covid‐19

Abstract

The coronavirus pandemic has influenced many lives, particularly older adults'. Although isolation protects from infection, health behaviors like physical activity (PA) are important to reinstate after lockdown. However, fear of Covid‐19 may act as a barrier, for example, by preventing people from going outside. Based on the health action process approach (HAPA), we investigated whether and why older adults' PA changed after lockdown, and whether fear of Covid‐19 moderates the intention–behavior relationship. Participants of this longitudinal study aged 65+ from German‐speaking Europe completed an online questionnaire about their PA, fear of Covid‐19, and HAPA factors in April and May 2020. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regressions. Results showed that moderate to vigorous activity (MVPA) remained stable after lockdown and that self‐efficacy most robustly influenced the intention to be active. PA was not explained by any volitional factor but was strongly related to past PA. Interestingly, the relationship of past and future MVPA was attenuated by fear of Covid‐19, but this finding was not robust when outliers were removed. In conclusion, self‐efficacy is the most important motivator for PA in older adults after an interruption like a lockdown. Strong physical activity habits may facilitate PA after a period of isolation.

Older adults’ perspectives towards optimizing lifestyle behaviors and strategies to support healthy brain ageing during COVID-19 restrictions

“…Post COVID-19 research suggests that these behaviors during confinement are critical in remaining consistent with healthy behaviors after lockdown. For example, in one study older adults who were physically active during lockdown are more likely to facilitate exercise post lockdown ( 45 ). In another, the learning of new technologies during the stay at home period increased intention to use social networking sites, with a jump from 27% pre-restrictions to 50% after restrictions eased ( 46 ).…”

Physical activity as a tool for preventing and treating depression: Lessons learned from the COVID‐19 pandemic

“…Fortunately, however, in contrast to young people, PA levels in older adults are increasing and have reached levels higher than before the pandemic (Sport England, 2023a). It is noteworthy that a study of older adults in German‐speaking parts of Europe found that increased feelings of self‐efficacy and positive outcome expectancies regarding the health benefits of PA significantly predicted participants' intention to remain active postlockdown (Bösch & Inauen, 2023). Another potential reason for the increase in PA in older adults could be due to public health messaging campaigns around the importance of keeping active for those at increased risk of cognitive decline and physical health issues.…”

Effectiveness of Theory-Based Intervention on Knowledge Level, Psychological Constructs, Metabolic Index and Physical Activity Status in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: Application of the Health Action Process Approach (HAPA) Model

“…Subsequently, people prepare themselves to adopt a certain behavior and make decisions related to it. After the formation of behavioral intention, people enter the volitional stage, which consists of the constructs of action and coping plan, and maintenance and recovery self-efficacy [12,13]. The HAPA model has been used many times to describe variables affecting physical activity in different groups such as patients with diabetes [14][15][16].…”