Gene Hackman’s health had been on the decline in the months leading up to his and wife Betsy Arakawa’s unexplained deaths, according to close friends. Longtime friends Daniel and Barbara Lenihan, along with their son Aaron, shared insights about the couple’s final days in an interview with People.

Daniel revealed that in recent times, the 95-year-old two-time Oscar winner had become “essentially homebound,” indicating his mobility and overall well-being had significantly diminished.

Barbara noted that Hackman had stopped riding his bike around the neighborhood about a year ago, a pastime he once enjoyed. She added that his health had noticeably declined in the past few months.

However, her account contrasts with that of Hackman’s daughter, Leslie Anne, who told TMZ last week that her father had been in “very good physical condition” in the months before his passing.

Aaron said, “Betsy tried to keep him kind of active and engaged,”

He added that Hackman worked on puzzles and yoga on Zoom everyday. “She was still trying to keep him as active and engaged and healthy as possible,” Aaron said.

Daniel and Barbara observed that in the past few months, the late actor’s health had noticeably declined.

On the other hand Barbara concluded that “Betsy was in perfect health” and “was so fit.”

Aaron noted that Arakawa was “very protective” of Hackman, especially regarding COVID-19, often wearing a mask whenever they saw her in public.

Betsy’s dedication to his well-being was also highlighted by Hackman’s longtime friend and former business partner last week, who shared that she maintained a “strict diet” for the actor.

Aaron said “they were one of the tightest couples I’ve seen.” They seemed like real life partners, really, really close to each other, and they were both incredibly kind. And they were reserved, but they were real, and a lot of fun.”

Barbara added to PEOPLE, “Gene was as proud of Betsy as she was of him. She had been a concert pianist. Over at their house, she had a special building, a studio that half of it was her grand pianos[and another half was Gene’s art studio.”