Changes in Psychophysical Parameters in Seniors During the COVID-19 Pandemic-A Repeated Observational Study.

UNLABELLED: Older individuals primarily belong to the group with an increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection. Social distancing and other strategies to mitigate the COVID-19 pandemic may negatively impact the psychophysical parameters of seniors.

OBJECTIVE

The main aim of this study is to analyze the changes in psychophysical parameters among seniors in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic over a one-year observation.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The observation involved 54 respondents aged 60 and above. The study was conducted three times from March 2020 to April 2021. The selected research method was a diagnostic survey based on a questionnaire.

RESULTS

The level of general physical activity in the study groups during the pandemic was determined to be moderate with an upward trend. A downward trend in self-assessment of quality of life was observed, particularly in the area of mental health, along with an increase in symptoms of anxiety, aggression, and insomnia.

CONCLUSIONS

The pandemic period did not significantly affect the level of physical activity among the surveyed seniors, but an intensification of mental symptoms was noticeable.