COVID-19 and physical activity among older Japanese: unequal outcomes across the pandemic highlight a problematic life stage

Abstract

Introduction: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the health and everyday behaviors of individuals and communities across the globe. Major life disruptions have also been experienced across Japan, yet few studies have examined behavioral variations among older cohorts in this super-aged society. Objectives: The aim of the study was to investigate physical activity behavior changes among representative samples of middle-aged (45-64 years) and older adults (>65 years) in Tokyo across two time points, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: Repeated online surveys were conducted with quota samples of 800 older residents of Tokyo in 2019 and 2021 using valid and reliable measures of general health, physical activity, walking, and sitting behavior, including a Japanese-language translation of the International Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Results: Differential outcomes were identified between age and gender cohorts in relation to reported general health, physical activity, and walking behavior across the pandemic. Older adults were found to be significantly more active and report better health compared to those in middle age. Middle-aged women reported particularly low levels of activity in relation to both middle-aged men and older-adult respondents. Conclusion: The results suggest that older adults in Tokyo were comparatively resilient and active in the face of the pandemic when compared with their middle-aged counterparts. Middle-aged women appeared to be particularly constrained in terms of their physical activity behavior, which may be related to unequal and gendered life responsibilities. The results have implications for healthy transitions to retirement and the promotion of resilience among aging cohorts.