Impact of COVID-19 on neighbourhood physical activity in older adults

Abstract

Physical activity is critical for older adults’ health and was particularly important during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. To slow the spread of COVID-19, built environment modifications were introduced in public spaces including one-way walking systems, social distancing, and the restricted use of public toilets and seating. These modifications intended to encourage safe exercise but may have reduced walkability and inadvertently hindered older adults’ physical activity. We aimed to investigate whether Covid-related built environment modifications reduced older adults’ physical activity. We surveyed 282 older adults in the UK using a mixed methods Concurrent Triangulation Design. Physical activity decreased during COVID-19. Older adults believed many Covid-related built environment modifications negatively affected physical activity because of safety or accessibility issues. These negative modifications were more prominent in areas of higher walkability and associated with reduced physical activity. However Covid-related Traffic Reduction and some elements of One-Way Walking Systems were largely considered positive modifications that helped facilitate physical activity. We concluded common Covid-related built environment modifications hindered exercise, reduced walkability, and possibly contributed to reduced physical activity in older adults. If similar modifications are required in the future, older adults’ needs must be accommodated to avoid discouraging physical activity and compromising long-term health.

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