Physical activity, low-grade inflammation, and psychological responses to the COVID-19 pandemic among older adults in England

• DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.14.24305797
• Publication Date: 2024-04-15T23:30:10Z
• Authors: Martin N. Danka; Andrew Steptoe; Eleonora Iob
• Keywords: Depression; Pandemic; Odds

Mental health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have been widely studied, but less is known about potentially protective role of physical activity (PA) and impact low-grade inflammation. Using a sample older adults from England, this study tested (1) if pre-pandemic PA its changes during were associated with mental responses; (2) inflammation experienced greater increases in depression anxiety, compared levels; (3) attenuated association between depression/anxiety. The used data English Longitudinal Study Ageing, cohort following national aged 50+. Information on collected before (2016/17 2018/19) November December 2020. Inflammation was ascertained using C-reactive protein (CRP). Analyses adjusted for sociodemographic health-related factors health. Increasing linked reduced odds (