Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine

Title abbreviation: Adv Clin Exp Med
JCR Impact Factor (IF) – 1.736
5-Year Impact Factor – 2.135
Index Copernicus  – 168.52
MEiN – 70 pts

ISSN 1899–5276 (print)
ISSN 2451-2680 (online)
Periodicity – monthly

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Advances in Clinical and Experimental Medicine

2021, vol. 30, nr 11, November, p. 1111–1114

doi: 10.17219/acem/144135

Publication type: editorial

Language: English

License: Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported (CC BY 3.0)

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Holland C, Garner I, Simpson J, et al. Impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns on frailty and wellbeing in older people and those living with long-term conditions. Adv Clin Exp Med. 2021;30(11):1111–1114. doi: 10.17219/acem/144135

Impacts of COVID-19 lockdowns on frailty and wellbeing in older people and those living with long-term conditions

Carol Holland1,A,B,C,D,E,F, Ian Garner1,B,C,E,F, Jane Simpson1,A,B,C,E,F, Fiona Eccles1,A,B,C,E,F, Esperanza Navarro Pardo2,A,B,C,E,F, Calum Marr1,A,B,C,E,F, Sandra Varey1,A,B,E,F

1 Centre for Ageing Research, Lancaster University, UK

2 School of Psychology, University of Valencia, Spain

Abstract

Lockdowns and social distancing have been important and successful strategies to limit the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) virus. However, excess deaths related to non-COVID-19 causes have been reported, suggesting issues around availability and use of health services, particularly for people with conditions needing ongoing medical support. In addition, evidence indicates that a range of age-related diseases and frailty are impacted by physical activity and social engagement, both limited in lockdown situations. It is therefore important to learn from the effects of lockdowns in order to limit any impacts, while still protecting people from the infection. This editorial summarizes two research themes at the Centre for Ageing Research at Lancaster University in the UK, one assessing impacts of lockdown for people living with a long-term neurodegenerative condition, Parkinson’s disease, and one assessing longitudinal impacts on frailty and wellbeing, with older adults aged over 70, including those living with at least one long-term condition. Uncertainty related to Parkinson’s disease and to COVID-19 amplified each other, and cancelled clinical appointments and limitations on physical activity had very significant impacts on wellbeing for this group. In the longitudinal study, frailty was more severe during lockdown periods. While lockdowns reduce spread of the virus, becoming frailer could make older adults more vulnerable to the effects of the virus during these periods. Regular exercise during lockdown had beneficial effects aiding recovery once restrictions relaxed. These studies suggest factors that could lessen negative impacts of future lockdowns. Maintaining physical activity and providing access to health services during periods of lockdown are suggested as priorities.

Key words

COVID-19, physical distancing, Parkinson’s disease, frailty, aged

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