LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS OF OLDER ADULTS IN INDEPENDENT LIVING DURING COVID-19

LIFESTYLE BEHAVIORS OF OLDER ADULTS IN INDEPENDENT LIVING DURING COVID-19

Heather J. Braden, PT, MPT, PhD, GCS*, Connor Goode, SPT, and Kenneth Stewart, PhD

Angelo State University

A cross-sectional survey of older adults in independent living sought to find the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on their physical activity, socialization, and nutrition. A sample of 115 consenting adults ages 60 and older living in independent senior neighborhoods completed a lifestyle behavior survey during the height of the pandemic. The survey probed self-reported changes in the respondent’s physical activity, socialization, and nutrition. Chi-square (X2) goodness of fit tests of sample demographics suggests the results were representative of the local population of seniors in independent living environments. Point-biserial correlations produced significant changes in physical activity, socialization, and nutrition based on dwelling type and education level. Cross tabulations revealed significant relationships between physical activity and socialization to participant age and dwelling type. Overall, the project finds changes in physical activity, socialization, and nutrition that can help identify needed programs, initiatives, and resources to improve the resilience of seniors aging in place during pandemics and disasters.

Keywords: aged, coronavirus infections, pandemics, physical activity, socialization

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How to cite this article:
Heather J. Braden, Connor Goode, Kenneth Stewart. Lifestyle Behaviors of Older Adults in Independent Living during COVID-19. International Journal of Aging Research, 2022, 5:97. DOI: 10.28933/ijoar-2022-04-2105r

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