By Dr Kate Brennan (GP specialist trainee), Dr Isabelle Bray, Prof. Danielle Sinnett, and Dr Yarden Woolf
Background
The Covid‑19 outbreak disrupted daily life across the world. In the UK, lockdowns in 2020 and 2021 led to the closure of shops, venues and workplaces, cancellation of cultural and sporting events, and sharp changes to how people worked, travelled and socialised. These restrictions had a substantial impact on mental health.
Beyond the immediate effects of the virus, physical health was also affected through reduced physical activity, delays in diagnosis and treatment of other conditions, and long Covid. Inequalities widened, and loneliness became a major concern. In March 2022, a third of UK adults reported that their mental health had deteriorated because of the pandemic, particularly young people, disabled people and those living in deprived areas. As the Covid inquiry continues, many of these longer‑term social and mental health effects remain.
The UK Covid‑19 Inquiry recently released a report looking at the impact of the pandemic on healthcare systems. Later modules will report on the impact on the care sector and society more broadly, including population mental health. Using data from adults living in the West of England, we take a closer look at one simple but revealing question: what did people miss most during lockdown?
What we did
We carried out a cross‑sectional survey between May and July 2020. Alongside questions on green space use, physical activity, mental health and wellbeing, participants were asked: “Please tell us the ONE thing you most miss under lockdown.” A total of 607 people responded.
What we found
The sample was largely white (92%), well‑educated (73% had a degree or higher), and older (68% were aged over 45). Around 30% were retired and 85% owned their home, which should be kept in mind when interpreting the findings.
The graph above shows what respondents reported missing most. Over half (53%) said they missed socialising above all else. Mentions of family (28%) and friends (24%) were similar overall, although patterns differed by age. The second most commonly missed thing was holidays or travel (13%), followed by pubs, restaurants and cafés (11%). Thirty‑six respondents (6%) specifically mentioned missing the pub, which was more common among men than women (10% compared with 4%). Those aged 45–54 and non‑retired couples were particularly likely to report missing the pub.
Clear age differences emerged. Young adults aged 18–24 were the most likely to miss socialising (63%), especially with friends. In contrast, those aged 65–74 mentioned family more than friends (37% versus 19%), often referring to grandchildren. People aged 75–84 were the least likely to mention socialising.
Exercise was most commonly reported as the single most‑missed activity among those aged 65–74 (9%). No respondents aged 18–24 or 75–84 identified exercise as the one thing they missed most. Freedom, described as the ability to do things spontaneously, was reported by 14% of those aged 75–84, compared with none of those aged 18–24 or 55–64. Older respondents were also more likely to report missing holidays and travel (20% among those aged 75–84, compared with 6% of 18–24‑year‑olds).
Among those employed before lockdown, 10% said they missed work most. Excluding those of retirement age, young adults aged 18–24 were more likely to miss work or study, while those aged 25–34 were less likely to do so, possibly reflecting competing demands such as childcare or increased work pressures.
Implications
These findings highlight the importance of social contact, shared spaces outside the home, and having things to look forward to. While some people enjoyed aspects of lockdown, young adults (18-24) particularly missed socialising and seeing friends and family. Older adults, especially those aged 75–84, placed greater importance on freedom and the ability to travel.
These insights can help guide responses to any future lockdown. Where older adults missed cafés, adapted or outdoor alternatives could be considered when safe to do so. Among young adults, missing study may reflect the loss of structure, purpose or social interaction, underlining the need to consider how education and training can support wellbeing as well as learning during periods of restriction.
Finally, the lockdown experience highlighted that many homes are not well suited to long‑term working from home, which also has implications for physical activity, social connection and mental health. At the same time, the pandemic showed how technology can support not only work and study, but also social connection within neighbourhoods. These factors should form part of future pandemic preparedness.