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Life-Space Restriction Following Disruptive Life Events: Evidence From the COVID-19 Pandemic

Author

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  • Sapphire H Lin
  • Mary Su-Lynn Chew
  • Gek Hsiang Lim
  • Yee Sien Ng

Abstract

ObjectivesRestriction of life-space mobility is associated with adverse health outcomes including depression, morbidity, mortality, and poorer quality of life. In this study, we aimed to determine the impact of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and associated employment loss on the life space of older adults in Singapore.MethodsAn in-person survey was administered to a cohort of older Singaporeans above 50 years old (N = 1,118). Data collected included self-report measures of life space, sensory function, well-being, cognitive function, depression, frailty, and objective measures of muscle mass and body mass index. Tests of association and linear regression were performed to test the hypotheses while accounting for the effects of health and sociodemographic covariates.ResultsThe life space of older adults has significantly diminished after the pandemic. This loss remained significant despite controlling for covariates and was more pronounced among those who had lost employment during the pandemic. In addition, losing employment during the pandemic was associated with having smaller life spaces.DiscussionLife-space assessments are a potential important noninvasive marker for not only health and longevity but also the ability to sustain employment. Public health crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and employment loss negatively affect the life spaces of older adults. It is needful to emphasize the maintenance of life space when faced with disruptive life events and provide multidisciplinary collaborative solutions to restore the quality of life among vulnerable older adults.

Suggested Citation

  • Sapphire H Lin & Mary Su-Lynn Chew & Gek Hsiang Lim & Yee Sien Ng, 2025. "Life-Space Restriction Following Disruptive Life Events: Evidence From the COVID-19 Pandemic," The Journals of Gerontology: Series B, The Gerontological Society of America, vol. 80(3), pages 509-517.
    • Handle: RePEc:oup:geronb:v:80:y:2025:i:3:p:509-517.
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