THE CONS OF COVID-19 RESTRICTIONS ON PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IN THE ELDERLY;RESULTS OF AN ONLINE SURVEY

Introduction: The aim of this study was to evaluate the physical activity level of the elderly, physical activity barriers during the COVID-19 restrictions and the effects of the restrictions on well-being Materials and method: An online survey was used that included demographic characteristics, the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, Physical Activity Barriers Scale for the Elderly and questions about well-being Stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to examine the risk factors for physical inactivity Results: Of 131 respondents (mean age, 70 97 +/- 5 87 years), 82 4% stated that they were less physically active due to the restrictions Mean physical activity score was 80 79 +/- 65 18 and the most common physical activity was household activities Inactive elderly had more physical activity barriers (p=0 003) Risk factors for physical inactivity were age, medication, other occupants of the house and house type (Odds ratios were 1 13, 3 3, 3 25, 2 52 and 95% confidence intervals were 1 03-1 23, 1 36-8 05, 1 33-7 93, 1 05-6 06 respectively, p<0 05) Participants stated that they had gained weight, they felt more bored, anxious, angry, uneasy (47 3%, 78 6%, 75 6%, 54 2%, 74% of the participants respectively) since the curfews started Conclusion: During the restrictions, the level of physical activity of the elderly decreased Risk factors for physical inactivity are older age, taking multiple medications, living with a caregiver and living in a home without a garden or terrace Measures to increase the level of physical activity and decrease physical activity barriers should be taken into consideration for well-being during the restrictions