Changes in the Lifestyle of Older Adults in Khoy during the COVID-19 Era

Abstract

Abstract Background The susceptibility of older adults to the detrimental effects of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has accentuated the need for comprehensive understanding and targeted interventions. While quarantine measures serve as a protective strategy against the spread of the disease, they concurrently instigate significant alterations in lifestyle among this demographic. This study aims to scrutinize the nuanced changes in the lifestyle of older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing valuable insights for the development of intervention programs geared towards enhancing the quality of life for this vulnerable group. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in January 2022 involving 337 older adults living in Khoy, West Azerbaijan, Iran. The recruitment of participants was carried out at public healthcare centers, employing a meticulous multi-stage sampling approach to ensure representative inclusion. The data collection process relied upon the utilization of the EHLC-COVID-19 questionnaire, a tool specifically developed by the University of Rome Tor Vergata. This questionnaire was designed to comprehensively capture and assess various aspects of the participants' experiences, behaviors, and lifestyle changes during the COVID-19 pandemic, providing a robust foundation for a nuanced analysis of the study's objectives. Results The average age of older adults was 69.9 ± 7.04 (range: 60–90) years, and 54.6% were females. Over a third (35%) of participants stated that their eating habits worsened during theCOVID-19 era. About 15% reported an increase in smoking, 22% reported a decrease in exercise frequency, and 12% reported a decline in sleep. The most commonly consumed food items included vegetables (59.6%) and fruits (54.0%), while the least common ones were sugars/sweeteners (31.8%) and carbonated drinks (31.5%). Conclusion In light of the discernible decline in the lifestyle of older adults in Khoy amidst the COVID-19 era, marked by an inclination towards a sedentary lifestyle, a modest adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and a surge in smoking habits, it becomes imperative to institute intervention programs aimed at enhancing the overall quality of life for this demographic. Proactive measures, encompassing health education, lifestyle modification initiatives, and support systems, can play a pivotal role in mitigating the adverse effects observed.