Materials and Methods: A randomized controlled study selected 69 participants aged 65 and over (mean 69.39 ± 4.61)?35 in the intervention group and 34 in a control group?and their sociodemographic data were collected. The stay-at-home step program was applied to the intervention group. Quality of life, stress level, and body mass index were assessed pre- and post-test, and their daily step counts were recorded.
Results: A significant correlation was found between number of steps and the quality of life scores in the intervention group (p<0.05). There was a significant difference between the groups in favor of the intervention group in the mean number of steps in weeks 4 and 8 of the intervention (p<0.05). The mean number steps 2024.71±605.18 in intervention, 1946.63±511.37 in control group.
Conclusion: The study found that the Stay at Home?Take a Step program was effective in increasing the number of steps taken daily by elderly participants who were inactive during the Covid-19 pandemic and initiated an improvement in their quality of life. Healthcare professionals who play a central role in supporting the elderly can be advised to use the program to promote healthy aging and physical activity.
Keywords : Aged; Physical Activity; Exercise; Quality of Life