Longitudinal changes in anxiety and depression and their ameliorating lifestyle factors among community-dwelling older adults during the COVID-19 pandemic

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the lifestyle and mental health of community-dwelling older adults. Physical activity and social interaction are healthy lifestyle factors that can reduce psychological distress among community-dwelling older adults, although their effect may vary by sex. However, it is unclear how the anxiety and depression of older adults living in the community changed when measures were implemented to limit social interactions to control infection, as in the early stages of COVID-19, and what lifestyle factors helped ameliorate psychological distress in each sex.

Methods

This study included 550 participants aged 65 and older, who visited a drug store in Daito, Osaka Prefecture, Japan. Baseline questionnaire surveys were conducted from January to April 2021. Follow-up surveys were conducted three months after the baseline survey. We collected data on participants’ anxiety and depression symptoms using the Kessler Psychological Distress Scale-6 (K6), as well as on their lifestyle factors that may have affected anxiety and depression symptoms.

Results

A total of 520 participants completed the baseline and follow-up surveys. K6 scores did not show a significant difference, while the frequency of social interactions with neighbors, family, and friends increased significantly between the two surveys. Among women participants, more frequent moderate-intensity exercise and family interactions were associated with improved K6 scores.

Conclusions

When social interactions are restricted for infection control in community-dwelling older adults who are independent in activities of daily living including the ability to go out, social interactions recover over time, but anxiety and depressive symptoms persist. In women, lifestyle factors such as frequent moderate-intensity exercise may help reduce persisted anxiety and depression.