The Impact of Sedentary Behavior and Virtual Lifestyle on Physical and Mental Wellbeing: Social Distancing from Healthy Living

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Background

This Research Topic is a follow-on from the Topic Editor's previous volume I.

There is no doubt that we are increasingly becoming sedentary due to our reliance on technology as we mitigate pandemics and various challenges. This gradual change of lifestyle from active living to a more passive living, including in occupational settings, increases our susceptibility to chronic disease. In recent times (due to COVID-19 pandemic), lawmakers have unintentionally declared war on active and outdoor living in an attempt to defeat the virus. While there is a wealth of evidence to suggest that in many cases this mitigation was more costly than the damage caused by the virus itself, government legislators and public health authorities had no option but to enforce planned restrictions in an attempt to slow down the spread of the virus. Millions of office type workers, including the education systems, have been mobilized remotely as part of this mitigation. While this may seem like a temporary measure, many now have this false feeling that any job can be done remotely and without the need to leave the comfort of your own home. This is indeed alarming, given the risk that sedentary behavior and isolation may have on health and wellbeing.

A recent WHO report suggested that lack of physical activity and outdoor living can cause harm to health and wellbeing. The report suggested that due to growing sedentary behavior/lifestyle, the originally recommended physical activity levels may need to be modified. “This reflects growing scientific evidence linking large amounts of sedentary time to serious health problems and a heightened risk of early death.”, WHO report added.

Moreover, we have recently, and prior to the pandemic, showed that university academics and professional staff who spend most of their working hours sitting are at higher risk of developing lower back problems as well as mental health issues, including stress and anxiety, which affect the enthusiasm for work.

We have also shown previously in multiple studies, including published systematic reviews, that lack of physical activity and exercise can increase the risk of Knee and hip osteoarthritis, which in turn lead to increased risk of mental health issues.

In recent times, our ageing population has been the focus of healthcare providers and policy makers in an attempt to improve quality of life of the elderly and reduce health cost associated with the ageing process. Given the rise in sedentary behavior and the shift in lifestyle, this is more likely going to exacerbate physical and mental health issues leading to the age of retirement.

While considering the potential risk and evidence we already have in relation to inactivity and unhealthy lifestyle, more evidence is sought after through this Research Topic in order to establish any decline in physical and/or mental health due to this shift in behavior due to personal, lifestyle and/or regulatory and mandatory measures.

Keywords: mental health, sedentary lifestyle, virtual lifestyle, physical wellbeing, mental wellbeing, healthy lives

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