Promoting Older Adults’ Physical Activity and Social Well-Being during COVID-19

Son, Julie S.; Nimrod, Galit; West, Stephanie T.; Janke, Megan C.; Liechty, Toni; Juris, Jill

doi:10.1080/01490400.2020.1774015

Cited by 114 publications

(85 citation statements)

References 23 publications

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“…Previous work has highlighted that older adults are at increased risk of physical activity decline during COVID-19, potentially leading to poorer immune response, reduced mobility and overall quality of life ( Roschel, 2020 ). Findings in this study suggest that over a quarter (26.2%) of Shedders have become less physically active, reflecting the need for tailored interventions to facilitate physical activity and social engagement ( Son et al ., 2020 ).…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 85%

“…Emerging evidence also suggests that the decline may be more prevalent in existing ‘at risk’ groups, particularly those not meeting current PA guidelines. These older adults are at an increased risk of serious complications from COVID-19 and PA can help to defend against COVID-19 symptoms by improving immune system responses to viral respiratory infections as well as facilitating social engagement, which is conducive to positive wellbeing, meaning that alternative solutions for exercise and social engagement are needed ( Son et al ., 2020 ).…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of Irish Men’s Shed members

McGrath

Murphy

Richardson

2020

Health Promotion International

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Summary COVID-19 disproportionately affects males especially those who are older and more socio-economically disadvantaged. This study assessed wellbeing outcomes among men’s shed members (Shedders) in Ireland at baseline (T1), 3 (T2), 6 (T3) and 12 months (T4) in response to a 10-week health promotion program ‘Sheds for Life’ (SFL). Two cohorts participated in SFL commencing in March and September 2019. This study compares the T3 findings from one cohort carried out during the COVID-19 pandemic [COVID cohort ( n = 185)] with T3 findings from a comparator cohort [pre-COVID cohort ( n = 195)], completed pre-COVID-19. Questionnaires assessing wellbeing [life satisfaction, mental health, loneliness, physical activity (PA), self-rated health and other lifestyle measures] were analyzed in both cohorts T1, T2 and T3. Self-rated Health and life satisfaction decreased in the COVID cohort at T3 ( p < 0.001), while loneliness scores increased ( p < 0.0005). Higher loneliness scores were correlated with lower health ratings, life satisfaction and PA during COVID-19 ( p < 0.001). Days PA decreased in the COVID cluster at T3 from T2 ( p < 0.01) with those in urban areas reporting lower activity levels than rural areas ( p < 0.05). Those sufficiently active at baseline managed to maintain PA during COVID-19 while those not meeting guidelines were more likely to report decreases ( p < 0.001). Shedders experiencing COVID-19 restrictions are at an increased risk of poorer wellbeing and increased levels of loneliness. Support and guidance are needed to safely encourage this cohort back into men’s sheds, settings that protect against loneliness and positively promote health and wellbeing. Lay summary The COVID-19 pandemic will have wide-reaching implications on wellbeing, particularly on those who are older and more vulnerable. Evidence also suggests that COVID-19 disproportionately affects males. This study aimed to understand the impact that COVID-19 has had on men in the setting of Men’s Sheds in Ireland. Two cohorts of men who were participating in a 10-week health and wellbeing program (Sheds for Life) at different stages were followed over time. At 6 months follow-up the first Cohort had not experienced COVID-19 whereas the second cohort was actively experiencing the COVID-19 pandemic. We measured wellbeing using questionnaires, comparing both groups of men for differences. We found that the men who were experiencing COVID-19 had lower self-rated health, physical activity and life satisfaction as well as higher rates of loneliness, with those who were more lonely reporting lower wellbeing scores. We also found that men in rural areas were more physically active during COVID-19 and that those were not active were more likely to become more inactive during COVID-19. This study suggests that support and guidan...

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 85%

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of Irish Men’s Shed members

McGrath

Murphy

Richardson

2020

Health Promotion International

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“…For this reason, “healthier” gaming options that promote increased physical activity and social connection [ 6 , 9 , 10 ] are being encouraged. Location-based augmented reality (AR) games developed by Niantic Inc, such as Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite [ 11 ], are of particular interest because they are designed to increase physical activity [ 12 , 13 ] and have also been found to increase players’ social connectedness [ 14 ] and mental well-being [ 12 , 15 ].…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

COVID-19 as ‘Game Changer’ for the Physical Activity and Mental Well-Being of Augmented Reality Game Players During the Pandemic: Mixed Methods Survey Study

Ellis¹,

Lee²,

Ijaz³

et al. 2020

J Med Internet Res

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Background Location-based augmented reality (AR) games, such as Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite, have been shown to have a beneficial impact on the physical activity, social connectedness, and mental health of their players. In March 2020, global social distancing measures related to the COVID-19 pandemic prompted the AR games developer Niantic Inc to implement several changes to ensure continued player engagement with Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. We sought to examine how the physical and mental well-being of players of these games were affected during the unprecedented COVID-19 restriction period as well as how their video game engagement was affected. Objective The aims of this study were to examine the impact of COVID-19–related social restrictions on the physical and mental well-being of AR game players; to examine the impact of COVID-19–related social restrictions on the use of video games and motivations for their use; and to explore the potential role of AR games (and video games in general) in supporting well-being during COVID-19–related social restrictions. Methods A mixed methods web-based self-reported survey was conducted in May 2020, during which COVID-19–related social restrictions were enforced in many countries. Participants were recruited on the web via four subreddits dedicated to Pokémon GO or Harry Potter: Wizards Unite. Data collected included quantitative data on demographics, time spent playing video games, physical activity, and mental health; qualitative data included motivations to play and the impact of video games on mental health during COVID-19 lockdown. Results We report results for 2004 participants (1153/1960 male, 58.8%, average age 30.5 years). Self-reported physical activity during COVID-19–related social restrictions significantly decreased from 7.50 hours per week on average (SD 11.12) to 6.50 hours (SD 7.81) (P<.001). More than half of the participants reported poor mental health (925/1766, 52.4%; raw World Health Organization–5 Well-Being Index score <13). Female gender, younger age, and reduced exercise were significant predictors of poor mental health. Participants reported a significant increase in video game play time from 16.38 hours per week on average (SD 19.12) to 20.82 hours (SD 17.49) (P<.001). Approximately three quarters of the participants (n=1102/1427, 77.2%) reported that playing video games had been beneficial to their mental health. The changes made to Pokémon GO and Harry Potter: Wizards Unite were very well received by players, and the players continued to use these games while exercising and to maintain social connection. In addition to seeking an escape during the pandemic and as a form of entertainment, participants reported that they used video games for emotional coping and to lower stress, relax, and alleviate mental health conditions. Conclusions AR games have the potential to promote physical and mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Used by populations under isolation and distress, these games can improve physical and mental health by providing virtual socialization, sustained exercise, temporal routine, and mental structure. Further research is needed to explore the potential of AR games as digital behavioral interventions to maintain human well-being in the wider population.

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“…Numerous moments presented themselves to us as opportunities for engagement and action; still others seemed to give us permission to not take advantage of our situations, retreating to the couch to binge-watch Netflix, or engage in passive activities, and not make accommodations to otherwise previously-held healthy leisure routines. Some had few choices due to other health or social forces (Son et al 2020), and for many, the moments that followed lockdown likely resulted in a sense of isolation, loneliness, or alienation (Palgi et al 2020). But all were opportunities for enacting agency, for recognizing the potential to "seize the moment," to make the best of a situation that continued to remain unclear.…”

Section: Altered Time: Life During Pandemicmentioning

confidence: 99%

A Moment in Time: Leisure and the Manifestation of Purpose

Harmon

Duffy

2020

Int J Sociol Leis

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There has been little consideration given to understanding the concept of time within leisure. Just what is time when considered as an ordering mechanism of our leisure behaviors? Most leisure research has approached the concept of time through a largely Western, monochronic understanding which emphasizes time for its linear ordering and quantifiable qualities. The dominance of this implicit understanding of time is also notably influenced by pressing ideologies that define Western society, such as neoliberalism, which can distort our personal discourse with our own time: we see it as a commoditysomething to be used efficiently and to be invested. What this thoughtpiece aims to do is consider the existential properties of time, particularly the "moment," as an opportunity to "achieve [the] total realization of a possibility" as illustrated by Lefebvre.

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Promoting Older Adults’ Physical Activity and Social Well-Being during COVID-19

Cited by 114 publications

References 23 publications

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of Irish Men’s Shed members

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the wellbeing of Irish Men’s Shed members

COVID-19 as ‘Game Changer’ for the Physical Activity and Mental Well-Being of Augmented Reality Game Players During the Pandemic: Mixed Methods Survey Study

A Moment in Time: Leisure and the Manifestation of Purpose

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