Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the health behaviors and difficulties encountered in the daily lives of community-dwelling elderly people who were requested to refrain from leaving their homes to prevent COVID-19 infection. Methods: We conducted an inductive and qualitative analysis of free description through an anonymous self-administered questionnaire survey of 201 community-dwelling elderly individuals/older adults in Hokkaido, aged ≥65 years. Results: The survey identified the following health behaviors: “physical activity,” “health management behaviors,” “cognitive training,” “hobbies,” “stress relief and variety/diversity of activities,” and “implementation of infection control.” Daily problems that were encountered by the elderly were as follows: “unable to perform hobbies and recreational activities,” “decreased physical activity,” “restricted daily life,” “unable to participate in social activities,” “unable to obtain materials for hygiene control,” and “unable to receive medical examinations or visit a hospital.” Conclusions: While the elderly engage in health behaviors such as physical activity and infection prevention measures, they are concerned by their inability to participate in social activities as a result of the closure of public institutions and amenities/facilities.
