The impact of social restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic on the physical activity levels of older adults: a baseline analysis of the CHARIOT COVID-19 Rapid Response prospective cohort study (preprint)

ABSTRACT

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. Design Baseline analysis of a survey-based prospective cohort study Setting Adults enrolled in the Cognitive Health in Ageing Register for Investigational and Observational Trials (CHARIOT) cohort from GP practices in North West London were invited to participate from April to July 2020. Participants 6,219 cognitively healthy adults aged 50 to 92 years completed the survey. Main outcome measures Self-reported PA before and after lockdown, as measured by Metabolic Equivalent of Task (MET) minutes. Associations of PA with demographic, lifestyle and social factors, mood and frailty. Results Mean PA was significantly lower following lockdown, from 3,519 MET minutes/week to 3,185 MET minutes/week (p<0.001). After adjustment for confounders and pre-lockdown PA, lower levels of PA after lockdown were found in those who were over 85 years old (640 [95% CI 246 to 1034] MET minutes/week less); were divorced or single (240 [95% CI 120 to 360] MET minutes/week less); living alone (277 [95% CI 152 to 402] MET minutes/week less); reported feeling lonely often (306 [95% CI 60 to 552] MET minutes/week less); and showed symptoms of depression (1007 [95% CI 1401 to 612] MET minutes/week less) compared to those aged 50-64 years, married, co-habiting, and not reporting loneliness or depression, respectively. Conclusions and Implications Markers of social isolation, loneliness and depression were associated with lower PA following lockdown in the UK. Interventions to improve PA in older adults should take account of social and community factors, and targeted strategies to increase physical activity in socially isolated, lonely and depressed older adults should be considered.