Changes in biopsychosocial factors based on transportation independence among older adults: A one-year study post-COVID-19 movement restrictions

Introduction

The global COVID-19 pandemic prompted widespread lockdown measures, impacting transportation systems and specifically affecting the mobility of older adults, which could result in changes to their biophysical, psychological and social health, or better known as biopsychosocial health. However, limited information exists regarding the alterations in the biopsychosocial aspects of older adults during and after the COVID-19 movement restrictions, as well as their association. The objective of this study is to investigate the biopsychosocial dynamics associated with navigating transportation during and after the recovery phase of COVID-19 pandemic. Additionally, it aims to determine the association between transportation independence status and various biopsychosocial factors.

Methods

A sub-sample of 100 individuals aged 60 years and above (mean age ± SD: 68.4 ± 5.3), from earlier cross-sectional study were recruited in a one year follow up study. Face-to-face interviews were conducted by the same researcher from baseline to obtain older adults’ sociodemographic health status, anthropometric measurements, functional status, depressive symptoms, nutritional status, cognitive status, visual assessment, physical activity and physical performance and transportation independence. Bivariate logistic regression was performed to examine the association.

Results

While there were no significant changes in transportation independence among older adults during and after the COVID-19 movement restriction, there were noticeable increases in outdoor mobility and certain changes in biopsychosocial factors. Results revealed higher fat mass (Adj OR = 1.20, 95% CI: 1.03–1.41, p < 0.05), poorer performance in Timed up and Go (TUG) (Adj OR = 1.40, 95% CI: 1.03–1.88, p < 0.05) test, poorer Hand Grip Strength (HGS) (Adj OR = .85, 95% CI: .74–.98, p < 0.05) and changes in Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) (p < 0.05) are associated with restricted transportation in older adults.

Conclusion

The findings of this study highlight the importance of biopsychosocial health factors, such as body composition, physical performance, and function, which may be influenced by transportation independence among older adults.