Self-rated resilience and mobility limitations as predictors of change in active aging during COVID-19 restrictions in Finland: a longitudinal study

Sini Siltanen (), Erja Portegijs, Milla Saajanaho, Katja Pynnönen, Katja Kokko and Taina Rantanen
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Sini Siltanen: Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare
Erja Portegijs: University of Jyväskylä
Milla Saajanaho: University of Jyväskylä
Katja Pynnönen: University of Jyväskylä
Katja Kokko: University of Jyväskylä
Taina Rantanen: University of Jyväskylä

European Journal of Ageing, 2022, vol. 19, issue 3, No 12, 475-484

Abstract: Abstract Social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic decreased older people’s opportunities to lead an active life. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether walking difficulties predict changes in leading an active life during the COVID-19 social distancing recommendation compared to 2 years before, and whether self-rated resilience moderates this association among older people. Data were collected during social distancing recommendation in May and June 2020 and 2 years before (2017–18) among community-living AGNES study participants initially aged 75, 80, or 85 years (n = 809). Leading an active life was assessed with the University of Jyväskylä Active Aging Scale (UJACAS; total score range 0–272) and resilience with the 10-item Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale (0–40). Self-reported walking difficulties over a 2 km distance were categorized into no difficulty, difficulty, and unable to walk. The total UJACAS score declined 24.9 points (SD 23.5) among those without walking difficulty, 27.0 (SD 25.0) among those reporting walking difficulty and 19.5 (SD 31.2) among those unable to walk 2 km. When adjusted for baseline UJACAS score, those unable to walk 2 km demonstrated the greatest decline. Baseline resilience moderated this association: Higher resilience was associated with less declines in UJACAS scores among persons with or without walking difficulty, and with more declines among persons unable to walk 2 km. When opportunities for leading an active life are compromised, those with less physical and psychological resources become particularly vulnerable to further declines in activity.

Keywords: Social distancing; Participation; Walking difficulty; Coping; Older people (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2022
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DOI: 10.1007/s10433-021-00634-6

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