The longitudinal psychological, physical activity, and financial impact of a COVID‐19 lockdown on older adults in Singapore: The PIONEER‐COVID population‐based study

Abstract

Background Several countries have implemented ‘lockdown’ measures to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19). Aims To examine the psychological, physical activity (PA), and financial impact of a 2‐month COVID‐19 lockdown on older adults aged ≥60 years in Singapore, and to identify factors associated with adverse lockdown‐related outcomes. Method We interviewed 496 community‐dwelling adults (mean age [standard deviation]: 73.8 [7.6] years; 54.8% female) during the lockdown who had previously participated in a population‐based epidemiological study. Validated questionnaires were utilised to assess loneliness and depressive symptoms at both timepoints, while inhouse questionnaires were used to assess PA and financial difficulty during lockdown. Multivariable regression models determined the lockdown‐related change in loneliness and depression scores, and the factors associated with adverse outcomes. Results Loneliness increased significantly during the lockdown period ( p < 0.001) while depressive symptoms decreased ( p = 0.022). Decreased PA, greater financial problems, male gender, Indian ethnicity, living alone, having a greater body mass index and perceived susceptibility to COVID‐19 were all associated with worsening loneliness scores. A total of 36.9% and 19.6% participants reported decreased PA and had financial problems during the lockdown, respectively. Unemployment was associated with decreased PA, while self‐employed individuals, cleaners, retail workers and smokers had greater odds of experiencing financial difficulty. Conclusion Despite a decrease in depressive symptoms, our population of older Asians reported a significant increase in loneliness and decreased PA, with one‐fifth experiencing financial problems during lockdown. Our data suggest that more targeted public health efforts are needed to reduce repercussions of future lockdowns.

Financial Disruption and Psychological Underpinning During COVID-19: A Review and Research Agenda

“…The COVID-19 has a multidimensional impact on people, especially related to the psychological linkages with financial wellbeing. There is evidence for the financial stress and the linkages among diversified cross-sections of the population, especially the older sections ( Lee et al, 2022 ). People are facing financial fragility during COVID-19, and financial confidence through financial literacy can contain the negatives of the financial fragility during the pandemic ( Chhatwani and Mishra, 2021 ).…”

Perceived Physical and Mental Health and Healthy Eating Habits During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Korea

“…A decrease in physical activity is one of the most cited effects of the COVID-19 pandemic could be attributed to lockdown periods. 1 3 4 8 In Korea, although sports centers were closed and working from home was recommended for several weeks in 2020, perceived physical health was largely maintained compared to other countries. This might be because outdoor activities were permitted while wearing a mask, and home exercise using online programs became popular.…”

“…The negative effects of COVID-19 pandemic were decreased physical activity, increased screen time, sedentariness, weight gain, poor mental health, and financial problems. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 COVID-19 restrictions affected vulnerable groups, such as people with physical or intellectual disabilities, more severely. 8 Over 90% reported a negative impact on mental health, and 61% reported a reduction in physical activity levels.…”

Financial vulnerability, health outcomes, and well-being of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

“…For example, the pandemic causes people to lose their jobs and consequently affects their capacity to provide for their older parents or relatives who depend on them for financial assistance. Lee et al [ 6 ] mentioned that older adults who are self-employed or not in white-collar jobs are significantly more likely to report financial problems during the COVID-19 pandemic.…”

“…Also, unemployed older groups who rely on non-profit organisations for financial support may not receive it during the COVID-19 pandemic, as some organisations’ finances are primarily impacted. Older adults cannot work during the COVID-19 pandemic because of their underlying health conditions and will struggle to maintain their income inflow and take care of their essential needs [ 6 ].…”