COVID-19 Pandemic Is Impacting the Physical Activity of Older Adults

A study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society evaluated the dangers of physical inactivity for older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic, reports News-Medical . Researchers said it takes just five to 10 days of physical inactivity for muscles to start deteriorating, hastening sarcopenia and increasing vulnerability to chronic diseases. Wearable trackers are supplying early estimates of how the epidemic will impact physical activity, with information from 30 million users globally calculating a 12 percent step-count decline in the United States, and an even worse decline in nations. Two weeks of inactivity can decrease muscle strength by 8 percent, with studies indicating that two weeks of rehabilitation exercises failed to help people rebuild muscles. Furthermore, reducing steps to between 1,000 to 1,500 daily elevates blood sugar and increases inflammation. Among the researchers' recommendations is engaging in resistance exercise, which under pandemic conditions can be done at home. They also urged health education for older adults, including recommendations to incorporate light activity into daily routines, with less sitting and more movement.