Contact Us for a Free Phone Consultation 216-464-9999

Cleveland Elder Law Blog

The Pandemic Has Made Many Seniors Less Active

Posted by Todd W. Bartimole | Feb 07, 2022 | 0 Comments

The New York Times recently reported that the Covid-19 pandemic has had a significant effect on the level of activity in which seniors are engaging.  The pandemic has led to health experts being concerned that the pandemic, in upending daily routines, has reduced mobility and physical conditioning in older adults.

The article indicated that "[r]ecent research indicates that many of those who had mild to moderate infections, even some who have managed to avoid the virus altogether, may be suffering functional declines. To date, much of the attention paid to the pandemic's effects on the older population has focused on its frightful mortality rate: Nearly three-quarters of Americans who have died have been 65 or older. Researchers have also reported that, unsurprisingly, older adults whose Covid symptoms became serious enough to require hospitalization often contended with persistent physical and mental health problems."

A recent study of Canadians over 50 who had confirmed, probable or suspected Covid in 2020, when testing was not widely available, revealed decreased mobility for those with mild to moderate illness compared with those without Covid.  It was not just the persons who were hospitalized, either, as 93 percent of those persons were never hospitalized.

It stands to reason that being more confined to one's home can reduce exercise and affect health.  Being home all the time reduces walking and other activities that we may not even consider exercise, but help us maintain our health.  Some easy ways to combat this is to commit to a walk outside once a day, engage in calisthenics or weightlifting at home, or even put on a dance video and get moving!  

About the Author

Todd W. Bartimole

Todd has been practicing in areas of elder law since 1993.  He obtained his A.B. in Political Science from Ohio University and his Juris Doctor from Cleveland Marshall College of Law in 1993.  Prior to becoming an attorney Todd worked with the local Long Term Care Ombudsman program, advocating fo...

Comments

There are no comments for this post. Be the first and Add your Comment below.

Leave a Comment

Contact Us Today

Cleveland Elder Law is committed to answering your questions about Elder Law, Estate Law and Probate law issues in Independence, Ohio.

We offer a free consultation and we'll gladly discuss your case with you at your convenience. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

Menu