Physical Activity in Adults with Schizophrenia and Bipolar Disorder: A Large Cross-Sectional Survey Exploring Patterns, Preferences, Barriers, and Motivating Factors.

Adults with severe mental ill health may have specific attitudes toward physical activity. To inform intervention development, we conducted a survey to assess the physical activity patterns, preferences, barriers, and motivations of adults with severe mental ill health living in the community. Data were summarised using descriptive statistics, and logistic regressions were used to explore relationships between physical activity status and participant characteristics. Five-hundred and twenty-nine participants (58% male, mean age 49.3 years) completed the survey. Large numbers were insufficiently active and excessively sedentary. Self-reported levels of physical activity below that recommended in national guidelines were associated with professional inactivity, consumption of fewer than five portions of fruit and vegetables per day, older age, and poor mental health. Participants indicated a preference for low-intensity activities and physical activity that they can do on their own, at their own time and pace, and close to home. The most commonly endorsed source of support was social support from family and friends. Common motivations included improving mental health, physical fitness, and energy levels. However, poor mental and physical health and being too tired were also common barriers. These findings can inform the development of physical activity interventions for this group of people.

Navigating Client Relationships During COVID-19

Brady et al discuss the navigation of client relationships during the COVID-19 pandemic. The impacts of the COVID-19 crisis are vast, touching multiple areas of people's lives and finances. During volatile times, it is especially important for financial advisers to actively maintain their client relationships. While the pandemic is truly unprecedented, there may be lessons from a recent period of volatility, the financial crisis of 2007--2009, that the financial industry can apply to the current situation. During the upheaval of the crisis, many advisers were able to demonstrate their value and retain clients even as they lost wealth as a result of the downturn. The value of building trust with clients may be especially important for relationships with older clients. Older clients who personally trust their advisers may be more likely to retain their services through stressful life events. Right now, people of all ages are looking for trusted sources of advice to help figure out how to navigate the financial upheaval of the pandemic while still working toward their longer-term plans and goals. One important component of navigating communication and outreach is understanding that clients' life stages and responsibilities may shape the concerns they have related to COVID-19.