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Gender-specific factors affecting changes in physical function among older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic
Kaori Teraoka1, Taishi Tsuji2, Takafumi Monma2
1Department of Physical Therapy, School of Health Sciences, Japan University of Health Sciences, 2-555, Hirasuga, Satte-City, Saitama, 340-0145, Japan. k-teraoka@jhsu.ac.jp.
Scientific Reports
|August 31, 2025
Summary
Physical function changes in older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic differed by gender. Lower education impacted men
Area of Science:
- Gerontology and Public Health
- Epidemiology of Aging
- Sociomedical Aspects of Health
Background:
- The COVID-19 pandemic imposed behavioral restrictions impacting older adults' physical function.
- Limited research exists on longitudinal, individual-level changes in physical function, particularly concerning gender differences.
- Understanding these changes is crucial for targeted interventions during public health crises.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate gender-specific factors associated with longitudinal changes in physical function among community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- To identify individual characteristics influencing physical function trajectories in men and women.
- To inform the development of gender-sensitive support strategies for older adults.
Main Methods:
- Longitudinal study of 242 community-dwelling older adults (111 men, 131 women) in Japan from 2019 to 2021.
- Physical function assessed via Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and 5-m habitual walking speed.
- Linear mixed-effects models used to analyze associations between individual characteristics (education, economic status, activity, living arrangement) and changes in physical function, adjusting for covariates.
Main Results:
- Among men, less than 12 years of education and higher pre-pandemic leisure activity were linked to poorer TUG performance.
- Among women, living alone was associated with improved 5-m walking speed.
- Physical function changes demonstrated significant gender-specific patterns influenced by individual factors.
Conclusions:
- Physical function changes during the pandemic were not uniform and varied significantly based on gender and individual characteristics.
- Targeted, gender-sensitive strategies are essential for maintaining older adults' physical function during public health emergencies.
- The study underscores the need for personalized approaches to support healthy aging in diverse populations.
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