Healthy Behavior of Adults and the Elderly during the COVID-19 Global Crisis

Aim: The purpose of the current study was to examine the differences among adults divided into three age groups (45-59; 60-69; 70+) concerning their healthy behavior during the COVID-19 global crisis.

Methods: Participants were 1202 people, 381 males and 821 females, aged 45-90. A survey comprised of six parts was used: Demographic background, The International Physical Activity Questionnaire – short version, Positive and Negative Affect Schedule – PANAS, The Connor and Davidson Resilience Scale, a questionnaire for measuring depressive moods, and questions regarding weight change, based on the Israeli National Health and Nutrition (MABAT) survey. Data were collected in Israel during the entire first lockdown. The questionnaire was distributed via e-mail, WhatsApp, Twitter, and Facebook, using a snowball sampling method.

Results: Resilience, negative feelings, and depression symptoms were higher in age group 45-59 compared to 70+ year-old participants, and the depression symptoms score was also higher among participants aged 45-59 compared to ages 60-69. Physical activity was associated with higher resilience, fewer depression symptoms, and fewer negative emotions. Regarding gender and psychological variables, no differences were found. During the time of lockdown, weight change was not prevalent and sleeping hours increased.

Conclusions: In adults at 70+, health behavior and related well-being measures were similar to other adult groups that were examined (45-59 and 60-69).