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

Objectives:
The Covid-19 outbreak in the context of healthy aging is associated with negative outcomes (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 longitudinal study - evaluate and compare intrinsic capacity factors of older individuals before and during Covid-19 outbreak.
Materials and Methods:
Based on the longitudinal data (2017-2020) from the Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe (SHARE) - Wave 7 and Wave 8, an evaluation and comparison (where possible) of the overall ageing status (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).
Results:
Excellent or very good health status before the outbreak denoted 35,3% respondents in Latvia, 54,9% in Lithuania and 45,3% in Estonia (p<0,001). Worsened health status since outbreak denoted 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 to all respondents, regardless of nationality and severity of symptoms before outbreak (p<0,001). Results, regardless of nationality, indicate slight improvement in satisfaction with life, future, amount of energy etc., as well as, difficulties in daily activities and self-rated health and health conditions.
Conclusions:
The obtained results indicate that at this moment respondents, regardless of nationality, are experiencing deterioration in health, mainly associated with cognitive and psychological status, which can lead to negative long-term impact on healthy ageing. To evaluate the impact of the Covid-19 outbreak on other healthy ageing determinants, long-term research is essential. Longitudinal results show slight improvement in various cognitive and psychological, locomotor and vitality factors.