Impact on the Nutritional and Functional Status of Older Mexican Adults in the Absence of Recreational Activities due to COVID-19: A Longitudinal Study From 2018 to 2021. (September 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Bricio-Barrios, Jaime Alberto; Ríos-Silva, Mónica; Huerta, Miguel; Cárdenas-María, Rosa Yolitzy; García-Ibáñez, Alondra Elizabeth; Díaz-Mendoza, María Guadalupe; Jiménez-Leal, Héctor Mariano; Chávez-Torres, Liz Argelia; Islas-Piza, Liliana; García-García, Shelem; Toro-Equihua, Mario del; García-Rodríguez, Ricardo; Carrazco-Peña, Karla Berenice; López-Alcaraz, Fátima; Trujillo, Xóchitl
• Is Part Of: Journal of applied gerontology. Volume 41:Number 9(2022)
• Page Start: 2096
• Page End: 2104
• Publication Date: 2022-09
• Subjects: older adults -- COVID-19 -- nutritional status -- functional status; Gerontology -- Periodicals; 362.6
• DOI: 10.1177/07334648221099278
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0733-4648

Abstract

A longitudinal study, from 2018 to 2021, identified impacts on the nutritional and functional status of older adults when face-to-face activities at a social assistance center in Mexico were suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic. A total of 71 older adults were evaluated at three different periods: 18 months prior, three months before the pandemic, and 12 months after the onset of the pandemic. Seventy-one older adults completed follow up. Anthropometric measurements, dietary intake, physical tests, and health screening for malnutrition, dependence, and physical frailty, were evaluated. There was a significant decrease in lean body mass and body water in the older adults assessed, in addition to a significant reduction in the frailty scale and gait speed. Finally, a significant reduction in ingested energy and several nutrients such as protein, and carbohydrates, was found, yet an increase in sugar and cholesterol intake was noted.