Longitudinal declines in life-space mobility in community-dwelling older Brazilian people: REMOBILIZE study

Abstract

Objective: To investigate changes in life-space mobility and its relationship to health and functioning determinants on older Brazilian adults. Methods: We conducted an online and phone survey using an adapted Life-Space Assessment version. Linear regression models were used to investigate patterns of LS mobility during the pandemic decline according to cultural (gender and age groups), health conditions (multimorbidity and pain), functional capacity (activities of daily living limitation), and physical activity (walking) determinants among community-dwelling older Brazilian adults. Results: Regardless of gender, functioning, and clinical determinants of health, participants experienced significantly declines in life-space mobility since the COVID-19 pandemic. Life-space mobility reduction was higher among older people who had lower levels of walking, aged 80 and more years, women, two or more multimorbidities and limited functioning. Conclusion: Social restriction measures significantly decrease older adults’ life-space mobility in Brazil.