Impact of Home Quarantine on Physical Activity Among Older Adults Living at Home During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Qualitative Interview Study

Abstract

Background Older adults and those with pre-existing medical conditions are at risk of death from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS CoV-2). In this period of quarantine, one of the reasons for going out is physical activity. This issue is important, as the impact of a sedentary lifestyle might be lower for children and young adults, but is far more severe for older adults. Although older adults need to stay at home because they have a higher risk of coronavirus disease (COVID-19), they need to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Physical activity is important for older adults, especially to maintain their level of independence, mental health, and well-being. Maintaining mobility in old age is necessary, as it may predict loss of independence in older adults. Objective Our first objective was to evaluate the impact of this quarantine period on physical activity programs and on the physical and mental health of older adults. Our second objective was to discuss alternatives to physical activity programs that could be suggested for this population to avoid a sedentary lifestyle. Methods We conducted a qualitative survey using semistructured interviews with professionals (managers in charge of physical activity programs for older adults and sports trainers who run these physical activity programs) from the French Federation of Physical Education and Voluntary Gymnastics (FFPEVG) and older adults participating in a physical activity program of the FFPEVG. We followed a common interview guide. For analysis, we carried out a thematic analysis of the interviews. Results This study suggests that the COVID-19 epidemic has affected, before quarantine measures, the number of seniors attending group physical activity programs in the two study territories. In addition, despite the decline in their participation in group physical activities before the quarantine, older adults expressed the need to perform physical activity at home. There is a need to help older adults integrate simple and safe ways to stay physically active in a limited space. A national policy to support older adults for physical activity at home appears essential in this context. Conclusions Given the results of our study, it seems necessary to globally communicate how important it is for older adults to maintain physical activity at home. We are concerned about the level of independence and mental health state of older adults after the end of quarantine if there is no appropriate campaign to promote physical activity among them at home.

Healthy Lifestyle Behaviors Are Major Predictors of Mental Wellbeing During COVID-19 Pandemic Confinement: A Study on Adult Arabs in Higher Educational Institutions

“…In the present study, the relation between physical activity and mental health was determined, especially since this lack of commuting and lockdown were reported to impact physical activity and wellness depending on different interactions and setting [31]. In line with others ( [32,33,34,35], mental health was found to be improve with physical activity.…”

Impact of Social Isolation Due to COVID-19 on Health in Older People: Mental and Physical Effects and Recommendations

“… China Cross-sectional 7236 6–80 3952 (54.6%) High prevalence of anxiety and poor sleep quality especially on young people, healthcare workers and those who spent too much time thinking about the outbreak Mazza C et al, 2020 ( 39 ) Italy Cross-sectional 2766 18–90 1982 (71.7%) - Female gender, negative affect, and detachment were associated with higher levels of psychological distress - Having an acquaintance infected with COVID-19 increased depression and stress - A history of stressful situations and medical problems raised depression and anxiety levels - Having a family member infected with COVID-19 increased anxiety - Being young and working outside domicile raised stress levels Ozamiz-Etxebarria N et al 2020[40] Spain Cross-sectional 976 18–78 (8% >60) 792 (81.1%) Higher levels of anxiety, depression and stress were observed especially in people <60 and with chronic conditions Losada-Baltar A et al 2020 ( 42 ) Spain Cross-sectional 1310 18–88 (17.3% >60) 931 (71.1%) Higher loneliness and psychological distress during the lock-down. Risk factors associated: female and negative self-perception of aging Rios-González CM et al 2020 ( 41 ) Paraguay Cross-sectional 1180 ≥18 (23.8%≥50) 608 (51.5%) Symptoms of anxious or depressive were found mainly at older people Physical health Goethals et al 2020 ( 43 ) France Qualitative 6 71–91 3 (50%) - COVID-19 pandemic has affected the number of seniors attending group PA programs - Older adults expressed the need to perform PA at home - There is a need to help older adults integrate simple and safe ways to stay physically active in a limited space Castañeda-Babarro et al 2020 ( 44 ) Spain Cross-sectional 3800 18–64 1746 (46%) -PA decreased significantly during confinement in all population, especially the vigorous activities and walking time. I...…”

“…The impact on physical health of the social distancing was studied for two authors ( 43 , 44 ) (Table 1 ). Goethals et al ( 43 ) reported that COVID-19 pandemic has affected the number of seniors attending group physical activity programs.…”

“…The impact on physical health of the social distancing was studied for two authors ( 43 , 44 ) (Table 1 ). Goethals et al ( 43 ) reported that COVID-19 pandemic has affected the number of seniors attending group physical activity programs. Additionally, Castañeda-Babarro et al ( 44 ) observed that the physical activity was highly decreased during confinement in all population, especially the vigorous activities and walking time.…”

Impact of Social Isolation Due to COVID-19 on Health in Older People: Mental and Physical Effects and Recommendations

“… China Cross-sectional 7236 6∓80 3952 (54.6%) High prevalence of anxiety and poor sleep quality especially on young people, healthcare workers and those who spent too much time thinking about the outbreak Mazza C et al, 2020 ( 39 ) Italy Cross-sectional 2766 18∓90 1982 (71.7%) - Female gender, negative affect, and detachment were associated with higher levels of psychological distress — Having an acquaintance infected with COVID-19 increased depression and stress — A history of stressful situations and medical problems raised depression and anxiety levels — Having a family member infected with COVID-19 increased anxiety — Being young and working outside domicile raised stress levels Ozamiz-Etxebarria N et al 2020[ 40 ] Spain Cross-sectional 976 18∓78 (8% >60) 792 (81.1%) Higher levels of anxiety, depression and stress were observed especially in people <60 and with chronic conditions Losada-Baltar A et al 2020 ( 42 ) Spain Cross-sectional 1310 18∓88 (17.3% >60) 931 (71.1%) Higher loneliness and psychological distress during the lock-down. Risk factors associated: female and negative self-perception of aging Rios-González CM et al 2020 ( 41 ) Paraguay Cross-sectional 1180 ≥18(23.8% ≥50) 608 (51.5%) Symptoms of anxious or depressive were found mainly at older people Physical health Goethals et al 2020 ( 43 ) France Qualitative 6 71∓91 3 (50%) - COVID-19 pandemic has affected the number of seniors attending group PA programs — Older adults expressed the need to perform PA at home — There is a need to help older adults integrate simple and safe ways to stay physically active in a limited space Castañeda-Babarro et al 2020 ( 44 ) Spain Cross-sectional 3800 18∓64 1746 (46%) -PA decreased significantly during confinement in all population, especially the vigorous activities and wa...…”