The Elderly"s Physical Activity Experience in the COVID-19 Pandemic Situation

Abstract

The study explored the experience and meaning of physical activity in the elderly in the pandemic situation of the new coronavirus infection. The study was conducted for 16 weeks by applying the case study method. Data were collected through in-depth interviews and observations with nine participants aged 65 or older. Older people, who usually exercised more than three times a week, felt fear as the pandemic of the new coronavirus infection began and they could not go out without seeing people. Due to the ongoing pandemic of the new coronavirus infection, I was unable to participate in physical activities. The elderly, who are no longer physically active, have decreased physical function and memory, increasing concerns and fears about their health. The elderly tried to recover their health by themselves because they could not see people, could not go out, and could not go out of the house for a long time. They included taking a walk with their dog, creating a physical activity routine at home, and walking without taking public transportation. The pandemic of the new coronavirus infection has isolated the elderly from society, and it has been recognized that it is important to provide a variety of physical activity programs that the elderly can do on their own. The quality of life will improve if the elderly live healthy lives. The government should be able to develop and provide various programs for the elderly to actively participate in physical activities. The importance of physical activity programs and the development of programs will have to be sustained in follow-up studies so that the elderly can continue physical activity due to the resurgent infectious disease.