2025 Volume 5 Issue 1 Pages 10-19
Objective: This study aimed to investigate the effects of stay-at-home measures during the COVID-19 pandemic on psychophysical function, functioning and social capital among community-dwelling older people.
Methods: The study included 245 community-dwelling older adults who completed a retrospective self-reported questionnaire. Data on basic attributes, Kihon Checklist, and social capital-related items were collected for periods before and after the first state of emergency declaration.
Results: The total score of the basic checklist increased significantly in June 2021 after the declaration of the state of emergency compared to April 2020 before the declaration of the state of emergency. A negative correlation was observed between pre-declaration social capital strength and total Kihon Checklist scores. There was no significant difference in social capital strength before and after the declaration of the state of emergency. Notably, individuals with higher pre-declaration social capital strength showed greater increases in their Kihon Checklist scores after the declaration.
Conclusions: The lifestyle changes associated with the COVID-19 pandemic led to a decline in psychophysical function and functioning among community-dwelling older people, with those having initially higher social capital strength being more susceptible to these negative effects. These findings suggest that future measures implemented during infectious disease outbreaks or natural disasters requiring stay-at-home orders should consider individual social capital levels when developing support strategies.
