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Published on: April 19, 2019
[Generational differences in lifestyle changes among outpatients with cardiovascular disease during the coronavirus
Moeka Isomura1, Akihiro Hirashiki2, Kenji Sato1
1Department of Rehabilitation, National Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology.
Insights
The COVID-19 pandemic reduced physical activity and increased sedentary time for cardiovascular disease patients across all age groups. Lifestyle changes varied by generation, necessitating tailored interventions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Public Health
- Gerontology
Context:
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered daily life and physical activity levels globally.
- A state of emergency in Japan led to reduced physical activity among the general population.
- Understanding generational impacts on cardiovascular disease (CVD) patients' lifestyles is crucial.
Purpose:
- To investigate the impact of COVID-19 pandemic-induced lifestyle changes on outpatients with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
- To analyze generational differences in physical activity and daily behaviors among CVD patients.
- To compare physical activity metrics (steps/day, sedentary time/day) pre- and during the pandemic.
Summary:
- A survey of 1,156 CVD outpatients revealed significant decreases in daily steps and increases in sedentary time across all age groups (middle-aged, semi-old, old) in autumn 2020 compared to 2019.
- No significant differences were observed in the magnitude of these changes across the age groups.
- The oldest group (≥75 years) uniquely reported reduced volunteering and daycare service utilization.
Impact:
- The COVID-19 pandemic has led to widespread lifestyle modifications affecting physical activity in cardiovascular disease patients.
- Generational differences in lifestyle changes highlight the need for age-specific interventions.
- Findings underscore the importance of tailored public health strategies to mitigate pandemic-related health risks in vulnerable populations.
Aim:
The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has caused significant disruptions in various aspects of daily life. The Japanese Government declared a state of emergency in April 2020, which resulted in reduced physical activity. This study investigated the impact of these lifestyle changes by generation among outpatients with cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Methods:
In autumn 2020, we conducted a questionnaire survey of 1,156 CVD outpatients who visited the Department of Cardiology at our institution. The survey collected data on physical activities and changes in daily behaviors over the course of the COVID-19 pandemic. Participants were classified into 3 age groups: middle-aged (n=114, ≤64 years old), semi-old (n=330, aged 65-74 years old), and old (n=712, ≥75 years old). The number of steps per day and sedentary time per day were compared between autumn 2019 and 2020, over the course of the pandemic.
Results:
In autumn 2020, the number of steps per day was significantly decreased and sedentary time significantly increased in all age groups compared to the pre-pandemic levels. However, there were no significant differences in the extent of changes in steps per day or sedentary time over the study period across all age groups. Regarding changes in daily behaviors, only the old-age group reported a decline in volunteering and reduced utilization of daycare services.
Conclusions:
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in changes in daily activities and lifestyles across all age groups. Because lifestyle patterns differ across generations, it may be necessary to implement age-specific interventions and procedures.
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