Most Older People Stay Active in Lockdown

Most Koreans over 60 have been able to keep themselves busy and stay active despite the coronavirus lockdown, but many young people have turned into couch potatoes.

According to analysis of healthcare app users by Samsung Fire and Marine Insurance, teenagers walked about 1,000 steps less per day last year than before with just 5,451.

But the over-60s logged 7,675 steps on average, similar to 2019's figure.

The older people were, the more active they were. Those in their 50s walked on average 7,092 steps, 40-somethings 6,688 steps, 30-somethings 6,290 steps and 20-somethings 6,247.

Men walked more than women with 7,783 steps, 1,900 more than their female counterparts.

"Older people seem to have kept up a consistent workout routine due to worries about their health," a Samsung spokesman said. "It's commonly thought that older people avoid outdoor activities because of concerns over the virus, but they managed to maintain their physical activity levels by walking in quiet neighborhoods."