ADULTS with pre-existing health conditions feel their life will never go back to “normal” after the coronavirus pandemic, new research has revealed.
Under Prime Minister Boris Johnson’s roadmap out of lockdown, normal life is set to resume by July with all adults having received a first dose of a Covid vaccine.
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New research has revealed that 28 per cent of adults feel their confidence has taken a hit over the last 12 months.
The data, taken from a poll of 1,000 adults with long-term health issues, also found that 45 per cent said that even after being vaccinated they will be cautious about coming into close contact with others.
So far in the UK over 28.3 million Brits have received a first dose of either the Pfizer/BioNTech jab or the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine with over 2.3 million having had a second.
But the data shows that even having immunity from the virus won’t prevent people from keeping their distance.
The research also found that 15 per cent have done no exercise at all since the most recent lockdown measures were introduced, with a fifth feeling self-conscious about doing it in public.
Many people with underlying health conditions have been forced to shield during the pandemic and that is set to come to an end this month.
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But those who had previously been shielding are still advised to follow the rules laid about by the government, including social distancing and mask wearing.
The research was commissioned by the We Are Undefeatable campaign, which has created the Home Games, a fun and active event for people living with a range of physical and mental health conditions to remain active at home.
Home Games team captain and Paralympian Dame Sarah Storey said: “This past year has been incredibly difficult for everyone, but especially for those who were asked to shield for most of the year – we’re looking to reconnect families and friends, all while getting active in a fun and safe format.
“The Home Games will help to empower people living with different conditions across the country to get active, while remaining safe, at home.”
Further research found that 51 per cent of adults with long-term health issues feel more isolated and have been struggling with feelings of loneliness, due to the pandemic.
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Around four in 10 (42 per cent) worry about a visit to a pub or bar even after restrictions are lifted, while just over a quarter (26 per cent) fret about visiting gyms or leisure centres.
Despite many adults having done less exercise during this time, the researchers also revealed that one in six adults upped their exercise levels by going up and down the stairs and 10 per cent used dining chairs to help them work out.
Nearly one in 10 (eight per cent) have made makeshift weights from tins of beans or soup, while five per cent said their main exercise came from lifting wine bottles.
The study also polled 2,000 adults who consider themselves to be healthy and found that of all those surveyed, one in four (25 per cent) felt less motivated to get active during the most recent lockdown compared to the previous two.
For six in 10 (61 per cent), this has been due to the dismal weather and dark skies that come with a British winter.
A third (36 per cent) of those polled via OnePoll are sick of the same old routine, while 19 per cent have well and truly run out of inspiration when it comes to new activities.
Lauren Rowles, Paralympian and Home Games team captain also said: “The Home Games is bringing together so many inspirational people from across the country and showing that you don’t need any fancy equipment to get active at home.
“I know first-hand how important it is to remain active for both your physical and mental health and I can’t wait to get started and meet my team”.
The Home Games will see participants take part in 10 weeks of virtual training from Dame Sarah Storey and Lauren Rowles, MBE, ahead of the competition in summer.
- For further advice and inspiration on ways to move that could work for you, visit https://weareundefeatable.co.uk/ways-to-move
