Adaptation of the Recreovía During COVID-19 Lockdowns
Making Physical Activity Accessible to Older Adults in Bogotá, Colombia
Silvia A. González (Universidad de Los Andes, District Institute of Recreation and Sports, Bogotá, Colombia)
Deepti Adlakha (TU Delft - Architecture and the Built Environment)
Santiago Cabas (Universidad de Los Andes)
Sharon C. Sánchez-Franco (Universidad de Los Andes)
Maria A. Rubio (Universidad de Los Andes)
Natalia Ossa (Universidad de Los Andes)
Paola A. Martínez (LOGYCA, Universidad de Los Andes)
Nathally Espinosa (Universidad de Los Andes)
Olga L. Sarmiento (Universidad de Los Andes)
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Abstract
The community restrictions during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic adversely impacted older adults’ physical activity levels. This convergent mixed-method study assessed the adaptation of the Recreovía, a community-based physical activity program in Bogotá, and characterized physical activity levels among older adult participants. Our results showed how the Recreovía adapted during the pandemic to continue promoting physical activity, through indoor and outdoor strategies, including virtual physical activity sessions and safety protocols. During this time, 72%–79% of the older adults attending the adapted program were physically active. A greater proportion of park users (84.2%) and more people involved in vigorous physical activity were observed during Recreovía days. Older adults had positive experiences and perceptions of the Recreovía program related to their health and social well-being. Even though the older adults prefer being outdoors, the adapted program allowed participants to continue with their physical activity routines as much as possible during the pandemic.