Lifestyle and health behaviour changes of ageing Finnish women during early COVID-19 restrictions

Aims: The outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic and the following lockdown enforced substantial lifestyle changes in people’s everyday lives. This study aimed to assess the impacts of the COVID-19 restrictions on the ageing women’s mental, social and physical well-being. Methods: Data were collected through two postal questionnaires. Baseline data were obtained in May–June 2019, prior to the pandemic. A follow-up survey was mailed to 760 eligible participants in August–September 2020; 571 women (75.1%) responded, forming the final cohort. The cohort comprised community-dwelling women born between 1932 and 1941 (mean age 82.5 years). Both surveys assessed health, lifestyle, mood, sleep, and technology use, with the follow-up including pandemic-related items. Results: Dietary habits improved with increased consumption of fruits, vegetables and fish, and decreased intake of sweets, pastries, alcohol and meat. Sleep quality and perceived sufficiency remained stable, although nighttime awakenings declined ( p =0.023). Social interactions decreased for 43.6% of respondents, yet 20.2% reported receiving more support. Functional capacity deteriorated significantly, with reduced ability to climb several floors, run 100 m and cycle (all p <0.001). Conclusions: Early lockdown was associated with both positive and negative outcomes. Favourable changes included healthier diets and stable sleep quality. Despite reduced face-to-face contact, perceived social support improved for some participants. However, physical functioning declined, underscoring the need to maintain mobility during prolonged restrictions.