A large study revealed that the spread of the new coronavirus has had a serious impact on the health of the elderly, as they continue to refrain from going out.
In addition to the decline in physical function due to lack of exercise, the number of people in their 60s and above who said that they became worried about forgetfulness and that they no longer felt worth living due to fewer opportunities to meet people was increasing. Experts point out that measures are needed.
The research group at the University of Tsukuba Graduate School collaborated with six local governments nationwide, including Shirako Town in Chiba Prefecture and Mitsuke City in Niigata Prefecture, and conducted a questionnaire survey of people in their 40s and above, and received valid responses from approximately 8,000 people.
According to this, as of November last year, the number of people who go out less than once a week is 22% in their 70s, 28% in their 80s, and 47% in their 90s, greatly reducing the chances of going out. I found out.
Lack of exercise is widespread in all age groups, with 17% of those in their 40s and older feeling that their health is deteriorating.
Furthermore, among those in their 60s and above, 27% said that they had heard the same thing over and over and became worried about forgetting things, and 50% said that they had lost their purpose of life and motivation to live. Was also revealed.
In addition to physical discomfort due to lack of exercise, less outings, especially in the elderly, have reduced communication with friends and locals, and have a serious impact on cognitive decline and mental status.
Professor Fumiya Kuno of the University of Tsukuba Graduate School, who conducted the survey, said, "Prevention of infection with the new corona is important, but if lack of exercise or self-restraint from going out continues for a long time, secondary health damage will occur. It has a large impact on the situation, and it is necessary to take sufficient measures. "
Gymnastics class canceled Some men needed a stick
Yoshihiro Ohara (95), who lives in Shirako Town, Chiba Prefecture, lives with his wife.
Before the outbreak of the new coronavirus, he attended gymnastics classes organized by the town every week and rarely complained of physical problems.
However, the gymnastics class was canceled in March last year, and there are almost no opportunities to go out except for shopping.
Then, my legs gradually became difficult to move, and I couldn't support my body well without a stick.
Mr. Ohara says, "Unknowingly, my body is getting worse. I feel that there is a vicious cycle of getting worse because it doesn't move and not moving because it gets worse."
The gymnastics class has since resumed and I try to attend it about once a month, but I haven't recovered by the time I can walk around like before.
Mr. Ohara said, "I want to do my best so that I can get back to a healthy body like before."
A woman in her 80s who has become very forgetful
Kazuko Saito (87), who lives alone in Higashinada Ward, Kobe, belonged to a local chorus before the spread of the new coronavirus infection, and chorused with her friends once or twice a week. I was having fun.
However, the choir stopped working in March last year.
Since the state of emergency was declared in April last year, Mr. Saito has tended to stay at home, and there are many days when he does not talk to anyone all day long.
After that, forgetfulness gradually became worse, and I sometimes went out with the wallet I had prepared for shopping on my desk.
Kaori Watanabe, a nurse and staff member of the Regional Comprehensive Support Center in Kobe City, was consulted by Mr. Saito last September about her physical condition.
Mr. Watanabe commented on Mr. Saito, "I felt that walking was a little uncertain, and I often thought that I wouldn't fall down with this. Due to the self-restraint by Corona, there was no place for activities such as hobbies, and I was socially isolated. I felt like I was doing it. "
And, "The corona sickness has been going on for a long time, and I think that there are many people like Mr. Saito who are just the tip of the iceberg and are still buried. Going out of the house and interacting with people It is important for improving the health of the elderly, and we would like to help. "
Experts in the survey "Need to work on prevention"
Professor Fumiya Kuno of the University of Tsukuba Graduate School, who specializes in health policy, said, "The lack of exercise due to reduced opportunities to go out can be compensated for by exercising at home, but that alone will reduce cognitive function. It's important to have time to meet and talk with them and make them laugh, and the challenge is how to create such opportunities. "
On top of that, "Many elderly people are unable to go out of the house due to fear of infection, but on the contrary, the effects on the mind and body of not going out are still little known and countermeasures have not been taken correctly. It is necessary to prevent it, but it is necessary to work on prevention by letting people know that staying in the house causes a serious problem called secondary health damage. "
Industry-government-academia discussions begin for the elderly to stay healthy
Last month, researchers, local governments, long-term care providers, and sports professionals gathered to discuss the new health hazards of the elderly due to the corona sickness.
Among them, we confirmed that we will provide a place where elderly people can safely gather and enjoy exercise and interaction, and disseminate information to spend their time in good health.
Yuko Arimori, an Olympic women's marathon medalist who attended the conference, said, "For example, it might be surprising if Olympians would say that everyone would do radio calisthenics, but it's a wonderful technique that can be done at home and is unique to Japan. You can do gymnastics with the new marathon music, and I would like to think about providing something that even elderly people can enjoy and do with their families. "