Impact of social restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical activity levels of older adults: an analysis of the CHARIOT COVID-19 Rapid Response Study

Abstract

Rationale and Objectives: Physical inactivity is more common in older adults, is associated with social isolation and loneliness, and contributes to increased morbidity and mortality. We examined the effect of social restrictions, implemented to reduce transmission of COVID-19 in the UK (lockdown), on physical activity (PA) levels of older adults, and the demographic, lifestyle and social predictors of this change. Methods Cognitively healthy adults aged over 50 years from the Cognitive Health in Ageing Register for Investigational and Observational Trials (CHARIOT) cohort were invited to complete a survey of demographic and lifestyle details, social factors, mood, and frailty. Retrospective (pre-lockdown) and current (post-lockdown) PA were captured by the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ) short form. Results 6,219 adults aged 50 to 92 years completed the survey during the period of April - July 2020. Mean PA significantly reduced following lockdown, from 3,519 Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) minutes/week to 3,185 MET minutes/week (p<0.001). Multivariable linear regression models showed that: those who were divorced or single (240 [95% CI: 120, 360] MET minutes/week less); living alone (277 [95% CI: 152, 402] MET minutes/week less); and reported feeling lonely often (306 [95% CI: 60, 552] MET minutes/week less); were doing less PA after lockdown than those married, co-habiting and not reporting loneliness, respectively. Conclusions and Implications Markers of social isolation and loneliness were associated with a reduction in PA following lockdown in the UK. Interventions to improve PA in older adults should take account of social and community factors.