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European Review of Aging and Physical Activity

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Open Access 01-12-2022 | Research article

“… Exercise opportunities became very important”: Scottish older adults’ changes in physical activity during Covid19’

Authors: Simone A. Tomaz, Gemma C. Ryde, Bridgitte Swales, Kacey C. Neely, Federico Andreis, Pete Coffee, Jenni Connelly, Andrew Kirkland, Louise McCabe, Karen Watchman, Jack G. Martin, Ilaria Pina, Anna C. Whittaker

Published in: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity | Issue 1/2022

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.

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Title: “… Exercise opportunities became very important”: Scottish older adults’ changes in physical activity during Covid19’
Authors: Simone A. Tomaz
Gemma C. Ryde
Bridgitte Swales
Kacey C. Neely
Federico Andreis
Pete Coffee
Jenni Connelly
Andrew Kirkland
Louise McCabe
Karen Watchman
Jack G. Martin
Ilaria Pina
Anna C. Whittaker
Publication date: 01-12-2022
Publisher: BioMed Central
Published in: European Review of Aging and Physical Activity / Issue 1/2022
Print ISSN: 1813-7253
Electronic ISSN: 1861-6909
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s11556-022-00295-z

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