However, even light physical activity during the Covid-19 pandemic can help alleviate some of the negative mental health impacts that older adults may experience while isolated (Callow et al., 2020). First, physically active individuals have better control over high-risk comorbidities, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes, which can increase susceptibility to severe complications from Covid-19 (Moro & Paoli, 2020), engaging in moderate-to-vigorous physical activity is recommended (Bull et al., 2020 World Health Organization, 2020).
Physical activity has conferred multiple benefits particularly during the pandemic. Regardless of their health status, older adults can benefit from physical activity (Hupin et al., 2015). However, even during such a time, maintaining health behaviors, such as regular physical activity, is important for physical and mental health (Inauen & Zhou, 2020). Older adults' vulnerability to contracting Covid-19 was extensively discussed in the media, leading to high avoidance and fear among this age group (Rahman & Bahar, 2020). Older adults during the Covid-19 pandemicĭue to risks of complications and mortality that was potentially higher than for those to the general population, adults older than 65 years were declared a risk group and advised to stay at home (Shahid et al., 2020). One group that was substantially affected by these governmental measures were older adults. Restrictions included lockdowns in many countries, in which a range of social interactions were prohibited, shops were shut, and stay-at-home policies were instated (Han et al., 2020). Due to the rising numbers of infections, many countries implemented restrictions early in 2020 to slow the spread of the virus and thus to prevent health systems from collapse. Strong physical activity habits may facilitate PA after a period of isolation.Ĭoronavirus Disease 2019 (Covid-19) is a viral respiratory disease that has affected and will continue to affect millions of people worldwide (Moro & Paoli, 2020). In conclusion, self-efficacy is the most important motivator for PA in older adults after an interruption like a lockdown.
Interestingly, the relationship of past and future MVPA was attenuated by fear of Covid-19, but this finding was not robust when outliers were removed. PA was not explained by any volitional factor but was strongly related to past PA. Results showed that moderate to vigorous activity (MVPA) remained stable after lockdown and that self-efficacy most robustly influenced the intention to be active. Data were analyzed using multiple linear regressions. Participants of this longitudinal study aged 65+ from German-speaking Europe completed an online questionnaire about their PA, fear of Covid-19, and HAPA factors in April and May 2020. Based on the health action process approach (HAPA), we investigated whether and why older adults' PA changed after lockdown, and whether fear of Covid-19 moderates the intention–behavior relationship. However, fear of Covid-19 may act as a barrier, for example, by preventing people from going outside. Although isolation protects from infection, health behaviors like physical activity (PA) are important to reinstate after lockdown. The coronavirus pandemic has influenced many lives, particularly older adults'.
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