Impact of COVID-19 on Lifestyle: A Sample of Iranian Older Adults

J Appl Gerontol. 2023 Oct;42(10):2100-2109. doi: 10.1177/07334648231178670. Epub 2023 Jun 2.

Abstract

The COVID-19 pandemic and prolonged quarantine affect the health behaviors of older adults. We investigated the changes in older adults' lifestyles during the pandemic in a sample of 1020 people aged 60 years old and over in Tehran. The results revealed that the COVID-19 pandemic had a positive impact on nutritional behaviors and social support while having a negative impact on physical activity and anxiety in older adults. Due to the greater deterioration of health behaviors among unmarried older adults, low socio-economic status, and COVID-19 inpatients, policymakers must pay attention to interventions to promote healthy lifestyles.

Keywords: COVID-19; lifestyle; nutrition; older adults; physical activity; social support.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • COVID-19* / prevention & control
  • Health Behavior
  • Humans
  • Iran / epidemiology
  • Life Style
  • Pandemics*