Impact of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 Outbreak on Activity and Exercise Levels among Older Patients

Changes in frailty and lifestyle among community-dwelling older adults: A two-point cross-sectional study during and after the COVID-19 pandemic in Japan

We aimed to verify the characteristics of lifestyles and frailty among older adults during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This two-point cross-sectional study conducted a baseline survey (BL) in 2020 and a follow-up survey (FU) in 2023 with community-dwelling individuals aged ≥65 years in Japan. The 700 and 572 participants in the BL and FU were analyzed. We compared frailty occurrence and lifestyle characteristics between both surveys. In the BL and FU, 38.3 %, 52.4 %, and 9.3 % and 29.4 %, 59.4 %, and 11.2 % of the individuals were classified as robust, pre-frail, and frail, respectively, showing a significant decrease in the number of robust, and an increase in the number of pre-frail. A significant decrease in dietary intake was observed among robust individuals in the FU, with an overall significant decrease in communication opportunities in the BL. Therefore, lifestyle changes due to infection control measures may have a delayed impact on frailty.

Long COVID and hypertension-related disorders: a report from the Japanese Society of Hypertension Project Team on COVID-19

The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) affects infected patients even after the acute phase and impairs their health and quality of life by causing a wide variety of symptoms, referred to as long COVID. Although the evidence is still insufficient, hypertension is suspected to be a potential risk factor for long COVID, and the occurrence of cardiovascular diseases seems to be a key facet of multiple conditions observed in long COVID. Nonetheless, there are few reports that comprehensively review the impacts of long COVID on hypertension and related disorders. As a sequel to our previous report in 2020 which reviewed the association of COVID-19 and hypertension, we summarize the possible influences of long COVID on hypertension-related organs, including the cardiovascular system, kidney, and endocrine system, as well as the pathophysiological mechanisms associated with the disorders in this review. Given that the clinical course of COVID-19 is highly affected by age and sex, we also review the impacts of these factors on long COVID. Lastly, we discuss areas of uncertainty and future directions, which may lead to better understanding and improved prognosis of clinical problems associated with COVID-19.

The willingness and influencing factors to choose smart senior care among old adults in China

Background

Population aging has become an escalating issue in China resulting in increasing healthcare demand. Smart senior care has the potential to help older adults live independently and relieve the pressure of healthcare including home-based care. This study aimed to explore Chinese older adults’ preferred access models and service content of smart senior care and factors affecting their willingness to choose smart senior care.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study. A total of 760 community-dwelling older adults from Xuzhou, China were included in this study. Their demographics, family support, health status, smart senior care use, and willingness to choose smart senior care were collected. The Chi-square test was used for single factor analysis of each variable. The statistically significant variables were included in the logistics regression model to analyze factors influencing older adults’ willingness to choose smart senior care. The chi-square goodness of fit test was used to analyze the preferred content and access models of smart senior care; the Bonferroni method was used to correct the results.

Results

The finding indicated that participants’ age, number of children, frequency of children visiting parents, adequate senior care, self-reported health, chronic diseases, smartphone use, and attitude toward smart senior care were significantly associated with their willingness to choose the smart senior care (p < 0.05). For smart senior care access models, participants preferred the remote monitoring model, telephone call model, and the community site model over the health smart home model and the smart application platform model. There was no statistical difference among these three preferred access models (p’ > 0.005). Regarding service content, participants desired medical care service the most (p’ < 0.005).

Conclusions

Chinese older adults’ willingness to choose smart senior care is affected by personal, family, health, and other factors. To develop China’s senior care, we should consider their demand and preference for smart senior care. It is important to enrich the content of smart senior care, especially on medical care services, and maintain the dynamic balance between supply and demand using a diverse supply approach.

Factors for the change in frailty status during the COVID-19 pandemic: A prospective cohort study over six- and 12-month periods in Japan

We aimed to verify the frailty status and the factors associated with the change in frailty status during the COVID-19 pandemic. A three-wave cohort study was conducted every six months, from May to July 2020, November 2020 to January 2021, and again from May to July 2021. The frailty status was assessed using the frailty screening index. Multivariate generalized linear mixed-effects models were used to determine whether changes in frailty status were associated with health conditions and lifestyle. The 404 survey forms were analyzed. Decline in chewing function (beta = 0.552) and leg muscle strength weakness (beta = 0.515) were significantly associated with the change in frailty status over six months, and leg muscle strength weakness (beta = 0.512) was significantly associated over 12 months. Risk factors associated with worsening health should be assessed for appropriate support. It is especially important to assess subjective leg muscle weakness in older adults.

Risk factors for falls among community-dwelling older adults during voluntary self-isolation: analysis based on frailty screening index subscales

[Purpose] This study aimed to assess fall-related risk factors among community-dwelling older adults during a period of voluntary self-isolation for preventing the spread of COVID-19. [Participants and Methods] This was a cross-sectional study. Survey questionnaire forms were distributed to 2,586 community-dwelling older adults in Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, Japan. Completed questionnaires were returned by mail. [Results] Of the 1,645 people who responded, 1,040 people aged 65 and over who did not apply for long-term care insurance and fully completed the questionnaire were included in this study. Since no in-person measurements were required, we utilized the Frailty Screening Index for the evaluations. We evaluated the relationship between questionnaire responses and fall rates among community-dwelling older adults. Among the results, “yes” responses to “Do you think you walk more slowly than before?” were identified as significantly associated with falls. [Conclusion] One must pay careful attention to subjectively assessing decreases in walking speed as a fall prevention measure during periods of self-restraint to prevent the spread of COVID-19 infection.