Background. The susceptibility of older adults to the detrimental effects of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has underscored the need for a comprehensive understanding and targeted interventions. While quarantine measures serve as protective strategies against the spread of the disease, they concurrently instigate considerable alterations in lifestyle among older adults. Accordingly, this study aimed to scrutinize the nuanced changes in the lifestyle of this group of individuals during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods. This cross-sectional study involving 337 older adults living in Khoy (West Azerbaijan, Iran) was conducted in January 2022. The participants were recruited at public healthcare centers, employing a meticulous multi-stage sampling approach to ensure representative inclusion. The data collection process relied upon the utilization of the EHLC-COVID-19 questionnaire. Results. The mean age of the participants was 69.9±7.04 (range: 60–90) years, and 54.6% were females. Overall, 35% of participants stated that their eating habits worsened during the COVID-19 era, and about 15% reported an increase in smoking. In addition, 22% indicated a decrease in exercise frequency, and 12% mentioned a decline in sleep. Conclusion. Overall, the COVID-19 pandemic has led to a decline in the lifestyle of older adults in Khoy, including a sedentary lifestyle, modest adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and increased smoking. Thus, intervention programs should be implemented to improve their overall quality of life (QoL). Practical Implications. By examining health behaviors, this study has provided valuable insights into the development of intervention programs geared toward enhancing the QoL of this vulnerable group.
Sherzavani et al. (Sun,) studied this question.