Relation between socio-demographic data and lifestyle changes during COVID-19 pandemic social confinement in a group of Egyptian elderly

Mohamed Mokhtar, Asmaa; Abd Elazeem Abd Elgawad, Marwa; Farid Wahba, Hoda; Adel Hakim, Sally; Mohamed Ebeid, Somaia

doi:10.21608/ejgg.2023.325912

Relation between socio-demographic data and lifestyle changes during COVID-19 pandemic social confinement in a group of Egyptian elderly

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

¹ Geriatrics and Gerontology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

² Geriatrics and Gerontology department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

³ Community Medicine department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.

10.21608/ejgg.2023.325912

Abstract

Background: COVID-19 lockdown is known to have effects on different aspects
of life especially dietary habits and lifestyle in elderly.
Aim of the work: To detect changes in lifestyle among a sample of Egyptian
elderly during COVID-19 confinement.
Methodology: Three hundred and thirty-four (334) of community-dwelling
Egyptian elderly were invited to complete an online survey which was sent using
social media platforms; What's App ®, Facebook®, E-mail, and Geriatrics
Telemedicine clinics of Ain Shams University Virtual Hospital. Survey
approached 500, answered by 400, and fulfilled by 334 of community-dwelling
Egyptian elderly in the duration from 23/8/2021 to 8/6/2022.
Results: In terms of gender and lifestyle changes, women experienced a
considerable decrease in outdoor time, a rise in housework, and an increase in
computer use. Participants over the age of 70 experienced significant weight
change in the form of weight loss, dietary changes, and an increase in housework,
whereas participants under the age of 70 experienced significant negative changes
in outdoor time, indoor socializing with friends, physical activity, weekly
shopping, and sleeping hours. Highly educated persons' lifestyle modifications
included a large reduction in outdoor time, a rise in housework, and a drop in
physical exercise. Residency and lifestyle changes in senior people living in cities
include a considerable reduction in outdoor time and time spent with families.
Conclusion: COVID-19 social confinement had an effect on the dietary habits and lifestyle of the Egyptian elderly.

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