Physical activity, well-being, and priorities of older women during the COVID-19 pandemic: a survey of Women’s Health Initiative Strong and Healthy (WHISH) intervention participants

Abstract

Sheltering-in-place, social distancing, and other strategies to minimize COVID-19 transmission may impact physical activity (PA) and well-being in older adults. To assess self-reported PA changes, well-being, and priorities of older women across the USA early in the COVID-19 pandemic. In May 2020, a 10-question survey was emailed to 5,822 women, aged over 70 years, who had been assigned to the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) Strong and Healthy (WHISH) trial PA intervention and had provided email addresses. The survey assessed general and physical well-being, current priorities, and PA levels before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Demographic and physical function data were collected previously. Descriptive analyses characterized participants’ priorities and PA changes from before the pandemic to the time of data collection during the pandemic. Differences in PA change by age, physical function, and geographic region were assessed by Kruskal-Wallis and post hoc Dunn tests. Among 2,876 survey respondents, 89% perceived their general well-being as good, very good, or excellent, despite 90% reporting at least moderate (to extreme) concern about the pandemic, with 18.2% reporting increased PA levels, 27.1% reporting no changes, and 54.7% reporting decreased PA levels. Top priorities “in the midst of the COVID-19 outbreak” were staying in touch with family/friends (21%) and taking care of one’s body (20%). Among priorities related to physical well-being, staying active was selected most frequently (33%). Support for maintaining PA in older populations should be a priority during a pandemic and similarly disruptive events.

Older Adults’ Frequency of Going Outside during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Associations with Physical Distancing, Health Status, and Fall Risk Factors

“…A recent study based on in-depth interviews with older adults during the initial weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic found that staying busy with hobby activities, gardening, and yard work was one of the primary themes for coping, highlighting their resilience and adaptability during COVID-19 ( Fuller & Huseth-Zosel, 2021 ). A survey of more than 5800 older women age over 70 during the early part of the pandemic also found that staying active was selected most frequently (33%) among priorities related to physical well-being ( Wegner et al, 2021 ).…”

Impactos da pandemia de COVID-19 na saúde física dos idosos: uma revisão integrativa

“…Mais da metade da população de estudo relatou redução dos seus níveis de atividade física, independentemente da idade, região geográfica ou nível de função física. Além disso, as idosas estadunidenses relataram que a sua prioridade referente ao bem-estar físico está relacionada com o cuidado no corpo, em permanecer ativa e se mover com mais frequência (Wegner et al, 2021). Em paralelo, no estudo de Pérez e colaboradores (2020), constatou-se que o isolamento social devido à pandemia influenciou de forma generalizada na redução da atividade física, influenciando também no aumento de sintomas depressivos, bem como fadiga.…”

COVID-19 effects on women's home and work life, family violence and mental health from the Women's Health Expert Panel of the American Academy of Nursing

“…Women reported their priorities as staying in touch with family and friends (21%) and taking care of one's body (20%). Staying active was the most frequently selected priority related to physical well-being (n = 33%) (Wegner et al, 2021).…”