Age-related differences in functional capacity, physical activity, life satisfaction, well-being and quality of life in Turkish adult population during COVID-19

Authors : Gözde Kaya, Melih Zeren

Pages : 128-138

Doi:10.30621/jbachs.1000969

View : 19 | Download : 7

Publication Date : 2022-01-27

Article Type : Research

Abstract :Purpose: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the physical and mental health of general population has been adversely affected. This study aims to investigate if there are age-related differences in functional capacity, physical activity, life satisfaction, well-being and quality of life among adults of different age groups during this era. Methods: One-hundred fifty participants aged between 18-65 years were included. Participants were divided into 5 age groups, with 30 people in each age group i.e., 18-25, 25-35, 35-45, 45-55, and 55-65 years, using a block randomization. Functional capacity was evaluated with 1-minute sit-to-stand test (1-min STST); level of physical activity with International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form (IPAQ-SF); life satisfaction with The Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS); well-being with WHO-5 Well-Being Index (WHO-5); and the quality of life with Short Form-12 (SF-12). All assessments were applied via an online form. Results: Age negatively correlated to 1-min STST (p<0.01, r=-0.214) and IPAQ total score (p<0.01, r=-0.173), whereas positively correlated to SWLS score (p<0.05, r=0.168) and MCS-12 score (p<0.01, r=0.339). There were statistically significant age-related differences in IPAQ total scores (p=0.001; F=5.169), MCS-12 scores (p<0.001; F=8.624) and SWLS scores (p=0.046; F=2.485). Individuals aged 18-25 years had the best IPAQ-SF score, and the worst SWLS and MCS-12 scores among other age groups. Conclusion: Younger individuals seem to have worse impairment in mental aspects of their lives compared to older counterparts, despite having relatively higher functional capacity and physical activity participation during COVID-19. These age-related differences should be taken into account when tailoring rehabilitation and/or counselling programs during this era.
Keywords : functional capacity, physical activity, life satisfaction, well-being, quality of life