Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Observational Study
Abstract: BACKGROUND: The COVID-19 pandemic significantly affected the physical health of older adults around the world, causing day-to-day disruptions in routines and changes to usual patterns of mobility. Despite the passing of 2 years since vaccinations, older adults continue to experience detriments, including social isolation and reduced mobility. This study aims to understand how views of the COVID-19 pandemic are associated with life-space mobility-moving about the community. We hypothesize that endorsing stronger perspectives about the persistence of COVID-19 is correlated with reduced life-space mobility. METHODS: Survey data were collected via online questionnaire in October and November of 2022. Linear regression models were used to examine the relationship between five perspectives on the COVID-19 pandemic (e.g., agreeing that "I wish people would take COVID-19 more seriously") and life-space mobility, measured using a modified version of the life space assessment, in older adults (n = 510). Analyses were adjusted for demographic factors and mental and physical health indicators, including depressive symptoms and number of chronic conditions. RESULTS: In fully adjusted models, the study found that endorsing a stronger lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic across any of the five perspectives was associated with significantly lower life-space mobility. CONCLUSIONS: The results of this study show that endorsing a stronger lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is associated with reduced life-space mobility, which underscores the importance of designing public health strategies that carefully balance the safety concerns of older adults with opportunities for physical activity and social interaction.
DOI: 10.1111/jgs.19118
Authors: Erta Cenko, Todd M. Manini, Emily J. Smail
Institutions: University of Florida Health, University of Florida
Language: English
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: bronze
OpenAlex ID: W4401556138