IntroductionThe COVID-19 pandemic led to the implementation of physical–social distancing measures–including self-isolation, home confinement, and quarantine around the world, with psychological consequences such as depression. Older adults are especially likely to develop depressive symptomatology. This study aims to investigate the association between physical activity intensities and sedentary behavior with depression levels among previously active older adults during the COVID-19 lockdown.MethodsA total of 1,123 physically active older Brazilian adults (67.68 ± 5.91 years, 91.00% female) were interviewed by telephone in regard to sociodemographic, general health status, depression (GDS-15), and physical activity (IPAQ-SV) after being home-confined for 11.59 ± 2.42 weeks. Participants were also asked to self-report changes in their physical activity levels and time spent sitting. Descriptive statistics (mean, frequencies), between-groups comparisons (t-tests and chi-square), and hierarchical regression analysis were used.ResultsAbout 83.80% of older adults self-reported a decrease in daily physical activity levels and 73.90% increased sitting time. Overall, depressive symptoms were observed in 30.40, and 20.80% met physical activity recommendations. Daily moderate (β = −0.174; 95% CI = −0.026; -0.012) and moderate-to-vigorous (β = −0.183; 95% CI = −0.023; 0.011) physical activity intensities were negatively associated with depression score explaining 2.6 and 2.9% of depression variability, respectively, after adjusting for age, gender, education level, body mass index, and polypharmacy. Daily walking and sitting time were not associated with the depression score (p > 0.05).ConclusionThe results provide empiric suggestion supporting moderate to vigorous physical activity as a way to reduce depressive levels among older adults during COVID-19 confinement. Supervised home-based exercise programs, specifically designed for older adults, might be an important strategy to maintain and improve older adults’ mental health.

Background Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic may lead to adverse mental health consequences, such as depression, among older adults. This study aimed to investigate the predictors of lower depression scores in older adults living under lockdown. Methods 1,123 older Brazilian adults were cross-sectionally assessed for depression, physical activity (PA), pet ownership (dogs, cats, and birds), ability to make video calls, leaving home during lockdown, and not living alone. The statistical procedures included linear regression and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). Results After adjusting for age, sex, and race, moderate to vigorous PA (β = −0.014, p < .001), it was found that PA (β = −0.905, p < .001) and dog ownership (β = −0.545, p = .004) were associated with lower depression. No association was observed between depression and other conditions. Conclusions With the likelihood of subsequent COVID-19 waves, remotely delivered PA programs might be a strategy to counteract the negative psychological effects of lockdown on older adults.

Background: Although home confinement reduces the number of SARS-CoV-2 infections, it may negatively impact the psychological and physical health of older adults. Objective: The present study attempted to describe the quality of life (QoL) of older adults before and during the COVID-19 outbreak focus on evaluating QoL, physical activity, sitting time, and sleep quality during home confinement. Method: The present study was conducted in 1,063 older adults (91% females) enrolled in a Brazilian social program. They were interviewed for QoL (EQ-5D), physical activity (international physical activity questionnaire-short vision), and sleep quality [Pittsburgh sleep quality index (PSQI)] after 11.6 ± 2.4 weeks of confinement. Logistic regression confirmed changes in QoL. Results: The QoL (86.5 ± 14.7) decreased significantly during confinement (66.0 ± 21.0; P < 0.001), whereas the PSQI global score was 6.8 ± 3.9 points. Older adults spent 18.7 ± 29.8 min/day in moderate to vigorous physical activity, whereas they spent 325.5 ± 144.4 min/day sitting. The PSQI global score [odds ratio (OR): 1.10], sitting time (OR: 1.001), and diseases (OR: 1.23) were significantly associated with low QoL (P <0.05). Conclusion: Confinement has a deleterious effect on QoL, which is influenced by quality of sleep, sitting time, and disease. Awareness regarding the significance of sleep and physical exercise in older adults can mitigate the damage to their health during confinement.