ABSTRACT
The research objective was to study the outcome of regular and active exercise on the health and disease of senior citizens who were the high-risk group during the coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. The target population was the retired seniors who lived in the Bangkok district. The samples were purposely selected from the members of the public and private recreation centers. They were divided into two groups, an active exercise group (AEG) with those who exercised at least 5 days or 150 minutes each week and a lesser exercise group (LEG). The research instruments were questionnaires and interviews. The data were analyzed by descriptive statistics and the independent sample t-test. The study revealed that AEG’s top exercises were walking, running, and dancing, while that for LEG were walking, cycling, and housework. Both groups’ usage and skills of the social networks were at a high level. AEG had an overall better health record with 43% without chronic disease, while LEG had 39%. AEG had non-communicable diseases;Hypertension, Diabetes, Heart disease & Stroke, and Cancer at 22, 10, 7, and 7 % respectively, whilst the LEG had a similar rate. As a result of exercise, AEG attributed to better physical health, mental health, and disease prevention with a higher score than LEG. Statistically, there was significant difference (p<0.05) in physical health and socialization between the two groups i.e. AEG had significantly better physical health and socialization than LEG . Some of the participants believed that active exercise provided them relief from allergy, diabetes, bone & muscle pain, and prevented the return of the chronic diseases. © 2021, Mahidol University - ASEAN Institute for Health Development. All rights reserved.