Older Adults Physical Activity and Sedentary Behavior During the Covid-19 Pandemic

The CDC created guidelines to reduce the spread of the coronavirus that may have serious implications for the physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviors of older adults, a group who spends a large portion of their day engaged in sedentary behavior and has the lowest PA levels among all age groups. Little is known about the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic may have on daily PA and sedentary behaviors of older adults. PURPOSE: To understand older adults' PA and sedentary behavior involvement and explore the influence the COVID-19 pandemic may have had on these behaviors. METHODS: South Carolina residents aged 65+ living independently were recruited to participate in a semi-structured interview via a video chat or in-person between October 26, 2020 and November 6, 2020. The interview explored older adults’ daily routines, PA and sedentary behaviors before and during the implementation of COVID-19 guidelines. Axial coding was used to identify themes through a constant comparative analysis. Respondent validation was used to ensure credibility and trustworthiness. RESULTS: A total of 10 participants completed the interviews. Participants were female (100%), White (100%), and 73.9+ 5.4 years old. The key themes identified for sedentary behavior included watching TV/movies, reading/audiobooks and computer/screen time. PA and exercise involvement was reported to have maintained, and the themes included walking and yard work, while habit and/or routine was identified as a PA facilitator. Themes specific to COVID-19 included precautions taken due to being a high-risk population; disruption to life, i.e., change in shopping routine, decreased/cancelled travel, the inability to participate in regular activities; and technology adaptations such as virtual activities or social interactions and PA/exercise. CONCLUSIONS: During the pandemic, older adults were both physically active and sedentary. Utilizing technology to manage the routine disruptions and participating in virtual social activities may have contributed to an increase in time spent sedentary. Disseminating strategies to promote sedentary behavior reduction, i.e., sedentary breaks, may be helpful for the older adult population as the pandemic and a virtually adapted lifestyle continues.