2      0

Physical Activity, Social Isolation, and Depression in Older Adults during COVID-19: A Path Analysis (TOP-SCORING POSTER)


‐ Aug 15, 2023 10:00am


Credits: None available.

Purpose: Imposed social isolation during COVID-19 (sheltering in place) provided an opportunity to expand our understanding of factors associated with depression in older adults. The purpose of this study was to identify relationships between physical activity, social isolation, and depression among community-dwelling older adults during COVID-19.

Background: Physical inactivity and social isolation have been shown to have negative consequences for mental health in older adults. During COVID-19, public policies to shelter in place were accompanied by a new phenomenon of imposed social isolation and may have resulted in physical inactivity. Researchers posited that pandemic-related sheltering in place would result in increased feelings of social isolation among older adults. In order to promote optimal mental health in this population, research was needed to identify important factors associated with depression during a pandemic or times of imposed social isolation. We hypothesized that 1) higher social isolation would predict higher depression; 2) lower physical activity would predict higher depression; 3) higher social isolation would predict lower physical activity; 4) personal factors (older age, lower income, and lower education) would be directly associated with reduced physical activity; 5) personal factors would be directly associated with increased social isolation; and 6) physical activity would mediate the relationship between social isolation and depression.

Methods: A cross-sectional, correlational design was used. Survey links were sent to older adults aged 65 or older. The physical activity scale for elders, geriatric depression scale, and PROMIS social isolation scale were administered. Path analysis was used to test the hypothesized model. Standardized regression coefficients were calculated, and R2 measures for each exogenous variable were estimated. Goodness-of-fit criteria were calculated to assess model fit with comparative fit index ≥0.90, Tucker-Lewis index ≥0.90, root mean square error of approximation


Speaker(s):

Credits

Credits: None available.

You must be logged in and own this session in order to post comments.

Cheryl McEntyre
9/30/22 7:59 am

Proving what we thought had happened. With Covid appearing to be here to stay, those of us who work in any setting where the elderly will be for more than just a few days, we need to develop means to help with all 3 of these triggering events. It will take more than just nurses to make it happen; bring the problem to churches and other social groups to encourage visits and more activity as well as families of those who are isolated. Thank you for your efforts!