Comparison of intrinsic capacity factors in older individuals before and during COVID-19 in the context of healthy ageing in Baltic States

Research output: Contribution to conferenceAbstractpeer-review

Abstract

The Covid-19 outbreak in the context of healthy aging is associated with decline in body functional abilities, serious illness and even death in older individuals, regardless of infection with Covid-19. Regular assessment of the ageing process, including intrinsic capacity factors (cognitive, psychological, sensory, locomotion and vitality), provides an opportunity to better understand the individual's functional abilities and vulnerabilities, especially during outbreak of Covid-19. The objectives of this study – to evaluate and compare intrinsic capacity factors of older individuals before and during Covid-19 outbreak in three Baltic countries. Based on the data (2017-2020) from two waves (7 and 8) of the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE), an evaluation and comparison (where possible) of the intrinsic capacity factors of older individuals (50 years and older) before and during Covid-19 outbreak was conducted (n=4422, from which Latvia=648, Lithuania=1079, Estonia=2695). Excellent or very good health status before the outbreak reported 35,3% respondents in Latvia, 54,9% in Lithuania and 45,3% in Estonia (p<0,001). Worsened health status since outbreak reported 7% respondents in Latvia, 13,8% in Lithuania and 5,9% in Estonia (p<0,001). Feeling of nervousness, depression and loneliness during Covid-19 outbreak increased among all respondents, regardless of nationality and severity of symptoms before outbreak (p<0,001). The results indicate that at this moment respondents are experiencing deterioration in cognitive and psychological health. WHO recommendation for maintaining mental and physical health during Covid-19 is the use of digital technologies (for communication, online workout etc.) in everyday life, but results in Latvia and Lithuania indicate that more than 75% of respondents (75+ years) has none or poor computer skills, and 30% of them reported reduced physical activities since Covid-19 outbreak. Therefore, more attention needs to be paid to this part of society to maintain their current functional abilities as long as possible.
Original languageEnglish
Pages5
Publication statusPublished - 24 Mar 2021
EventRSU Research week 2021: Society. Health. Welfare - Rīga Stradiņš University, Rīga, Latvia
Duration: 24 Mar 202126 Mar 2021
Conference number: 8
https://rw2021.rsu.lv/conferences/society-health-welfare

Conference

ConferenceRSU Research week 2021: Society. Health. Welfare
Country/TerritoryLatvia
CityRīga
Period24/03/2126/03/21
Internet address

Field of Science*

  • 3.3 Health sciences

Publication Type*

  • 3.4. Other publications in conference proceedings (including local)

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