The Old Adults’ Emotional Wellness and Spiritual Well-being with an Emphasis on Physical Activity during COVID-19 Pandemic

COVID-19 pandemic is a challenge for improving health during the lockdown. Unfortunately, the concern which is expressed for the welfare and the health of the elderly contradicts the actions undertaken for their health and welfare. The psychological research conducted during the COVID-19 pandemic rarely includes the people over 60 years old. Hence, the purpose of the current study was to compare emotional wellness and psychological health of active and inactive old adults in Shahrood city with an emphasis on physical activity during COVID-19 pandemic. The subject of the present research is an interdisciplinary one.

The current study was a practical descriptive survey. The statistical population of the research was all the elderly aged over 60 years in Shahrood in 2020 (based on the latest census equal to 17173 people). The sample size was estimated based on the Cochran formula following the convenience sampling method. The data collection tool was a questionnaire, and the data were analyzed using SPSS and Excel Software.

The findings indicated that the level of emotional wellness and spiritual well-being of active old adults was more than that of inactive old adults, and inactive old adults had higher levels of unpleasant feelings than active old adults.

Based on the findings, it is essential that the elderly keep doing the recommended amount of exercise and physical activity. Although this could be challenging for them both to have access to sport clubs and parks and to follow health protocols, there are extensive creative activities that could be replaced in order to stay healthy and active at home.