Adaptation of the Recreova During COVID-19 Lockdowns: Making Physical Activity Accessible to Older Adults in Bogot, Colombia

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 Recreovia, a community-based physical activity program in Bogota, and characterized physical activity levels among older adult participants. Our results showed how the Recreovia 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 Recreovia days. Older adults had positive experiences and perceptions of the Recreovia 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.