A National Covid-19 Resilience Programme: Improving the Health and Wellbeing of Older People During the Pandemic

Covid-19 poses a significant threat to the health and wellbeing of older people. Moreover, measures to lessen the risk of suffering from Covid-19 such as lockdowns and shielding can make it harder for older people to stay active. Physical activity is an important factor in staying healthy and is likely to play a role in Covid-19 resilience.

The Physiological Society and the Centre for Ageing Better brought together physiologists, nutritionists, geriatricians, physiotherapists and clinicians to discuss three critical areas where the impact of the pandemic and lockdown on older people required greater consideration:

1. What happens to a healthy older person during lockdown or shielding?

2. How do Covid-19 risk factors relate to age?

3. What are the physiological challenges to address as older people recover from Covid-19?