The importance of physical activity in the elderly population with comorbidities in a post-pandemic era

Abstract

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the world faced significant challenges that impacted all age groups. Among the most vulnerable groups, the elderly population with comorbidities had the greatest challenge to their physical, social, andmental health. The lockdown imposed by health authorities aimed at slowing the spread of the virus had a large drawback in terms of the level of physical activity, risk factors, frailty, and falls risk in the elderly. Furthermore, several health issues were exacerbated, including higher levels of obesity, diabetes mellitus, dyslipidemia, cardiovascular diseases, sleep problems, and depression. A decrease in the level of physical activity was observed following quarantine, and this trend prevailed even a year after the early stages of the pandemic. A large populational study in individuals more than 65 years old showed that during the early years of the pandemic, nearly 30% of them experienced an impairment in exercise levels, which was significantly related to detriments in quality of life, and this trend prevailed even a year after the early stages of the pandemic. Given this post-pandemic scenario, it is essential that we redefine strategies to improve the quality of life of these demographics.