Article
". . . Exercise opportunities became very important": Scottish older adults' changes in physical activity during Covid19'
Details
Citation
Tomaz SA, Ryde GC, Swales B, Neely KC, Andreis F, Coffee P, Connelly J, Kirkland A, McCabe L, Watchman K, Martin JG, Pina I & Whittaker AC (2022) ". . . Exercise opportunities became very important": Scottish older adults' changes in physical activity during Covid19'. European Review of Aging and Physical Activity, 19, Art. No.: 16. https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-022-00295-z
Abstract
Background
The purpose of this study was to explore perceived changes in physical activity (PA) due to Covid19 stay-at-home and social distancing guidance among older adults.
Methods
Participants (n = 1429, 77% female, 84% ≥60 years) living in Scotland completed an online survey in Summer 2020 measuring PA and wellbeing (indexed through loneliness, and health-related quality of life). The survey included open- and closed-ended questions about how these variables changed in response to Covid19 social distancing and ‘shielding’ guidelines.
Results
From the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ), the majority reported high volumes of PA, indicative of being ‘moderately’ or ‘highly’ active. When asked specifically about strength training, 12% reported engagement on ≥2d/wk. Most participants reported that PA had changed during this time, citing reduced use of exercise facilities, increased active travel, and online PA classes; although only 16% reported engaging in PA online.
Conclusions
Higher levels of PA were found to be associated with better health-related quality of life. Additional efforts should be made to support PA engagement in older adults, including strength training and other tailored approaches to support individual needs.
Keywords
Exercise; Walking; Sedentary; Copula model; GAM; Qualitative
Journal
European Review of Aging and Physical Activity: Volume 19
Status | Published |
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Funders | CSO Chief Scientist Office |
Publication date | 31/12/2022 |
Publication date online | 02/07/2022 |
Date accepted by journal | 02/06/2022 |
URL | http://hdl.handle.net/1893/34510 |
ISSN | 1813-7253 |
eISSN | 1861-6909 |
People (8)
People
Dr Jenni Connelly
Lecturer, Sport
Dr Andrew Kirkland
Lecturer, Sport
Mr Jack Martin
Research Fellow, Institute for Social Marketing
Professor Louise McCabe
Professor, Dementia and Ageing
Ms Bridgitte Swales
Lecturer in Physical Activity and Health, Sport
Dr Simone Tomaz
Post Doctoral Research Fellow, Sport
Professor Karen Watchman
Professor, Health Sciences Stirling
Professor Anna Whittaker
Professor of Behavioural Medicine, Sport