The Impact of Lockdowns on Older Adults: The Physical and Mental Toll

As the world grappled with the unprecedented challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, governments worldwide implemented stringent measures, including lockdowns, to curb the spread of the virus. While these measures were crucial for public health, they inevitably brought about significant changes in the lives of various demographic groups, particularly impacting the health and well-being of older individuals. In this blog, we will explore the multifaceted impact of lockdowns on the bodies of older people and delve into the physical and mental toll that these restrictive measures may have imposed.

Physical Health:

Reduced Physical Activity:

• Lockdowns necessitated isolation and restricted mobility, leading to a decline in physical activity among older individuals. Lack of exercise can contribute to muscle atrophy, reduced joint flexibility, and diminished cardiovascular health, potentially exacerbating existing health conditions. During the pandemic, it was common for lockdowns across the globe to be a minimum of 14 days, while studies have shown that effects of Sarcopenia can take just 10 days to begin after being sedentary. Therefore, we expect to see some long-term capability declines of older adults. Those in early and middle adulthood will also be affected by the sedentary lockdowns but the difference being, these individuals will find it easier to regain strength and muscle in comparison to their older counterparts.

Challenges in Accessing Healthcare:

• Older adults often faced difficulties in accessing essential healthcare services due to fears of virus exposure or overwhelmed healthcare systems. Routine check-ups, physical therapy sessions and preventive screenings were postponed or canceled, potentially allowing health issues to go undetected or untreated.

Nutritional Concerns:

• Lockdowns disrupted normal routines, affecting access to fresh and nutritious foods. Older adults, especially those living alone, may have struggled to maintain a balanced diet, impacting their immune system and overall health.

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Mental Health:

Social Isolation:

• Older individuals, who were already susceptible to feelings of loneliness, experienced heightened isolation during lockdowns. The absence of social interactions can lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, impacting cognitive function and overall well-being.

Cognitive Decline:

• Lack of mental stimulation and social engagement during lockdowns may contribute to cognitive decline in older adults. Reduced opportunities for cognitive activities and socializing can accelerate conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's disease.

Increased Stress Levels:

• Uncertainty surrounding the pandemic, coupled with concerns about personal health and the well-being of loved ones, heightened stress levels among older individuals. Chronic stress can have detrimental effects on various bodily functions, potentially worsening pre-existing conditions.

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It's Not All Doom and Gloom:

While lockdowns were essential for controlling the spread of the virus, their impact on the health of older individuals cannot be ignored. Next week we will reflect on the difficulties that lockdown brought and how we can implement strategies to help reverse some of the physical and mental challenges endured during this period.

Live, move and feel better, for longer.

You are able to find videos on exercise and diet tips for maintaining a healthy strong body on our social media channel here: Facebook , Instagram 

If you have any further questions, please email us info@vitalityrehabfit.co.uk. Alternatively, our team will be posting a blog each week discussing various conditions and the aging process which you can get emailed to you weekly by going to our website here and entering your email.