Physical Activity, Stress and Cognitive Concerns During the COVID‐19 Pandemic Among Older Adults in the United States

Abstract Background The COVID‐19 pandemic has increased psychological distress. Research shows that physical activity can reduce emotional distress and improve cognitive functioning. Yet, the pandemic has limited opportunities to engage in physical activity. In this study, we examined whether older adults who maintained physical activity during the pandemic perceived less subjective cognitive concerns and better emotional distress management compared to those who reduced or did not engage in activity. 8 Method 80 adults (ages 55‐94 years) from the community completed an online survey. Subjective cognitive concerns were measured using the Everyday Cognition Scale. Physical activity was measured with the question, “Have you maintained your physical activities during social isolation?” and answers were grouped into yes, no, or partially. Emotional distress was measured with the question, “How well you think you have been able to manage your emotions, worries and stress, and answers were grouped into good/very good, regular, or bad/very bad. Result 54% of participants reported having maintained or increased their physical activity levels, 33% partially maintained their usual levels, and 13% reduced or did not engage in activity. 64% reported that they were managing their emotions, worry and stress good/very good, 30% regular, and 6% bad/very bad. Participants who maintained or increased their physical activity levels reported less cognitive concerns and greater ability to manage their emotions, worry and stress, compared to those who reduced, partially or did not engage in physical activity. Conclusion Encouraging individuals and providing resources for increasing physical activity may help mitigate some of the pandemic’s adverse effects on psychological well‐being.