Mental Health and Coronavirus Anxiety in Active and Inactive Elderly People During COVID-19 Pandemic

Background: The coronavirus pandemic and the controlling measures have had disparate impacts on older adults' physical, mental, and social health. Objectives: This study examined the psychological status, vitality, happiness, loneliness, and anxiety among active and inactive older men during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this causal-comparative study, 400 men aged 60 - 75 were selected by convenience sampling. Subjects were assessed for cognitive status, vitality, happiness, loneliness, and coronavirus anxiety. Data were analyzed statistically using covariance and Pearson correlation coefficient tests. Results: There was a significant difference between active and inactive older adults regarding cognitive status, happiness, and vitality, such that the active older adults scored higher (P < 0.05). Also, there was a significant difference between the two groups regarding coronavirus anxiety and loneliness, such that the inactive group scored higher in these two variables (P < 0.05). The correlation analysis indicated a significant correlation between cognitive status and coronavirus anxiety in both active and inactive groups (P < 0.05). Conclusions: An active lifestyle and physical activity in older adults are important factors in improving cognitive status and vitality and reducing anxiety, especially during the coronavirus outbreak. Therefore, engaging older adults in physical activities will elevate their mental health and cognitive status.