How Physiotherapy Can Help The Elderly
The physical effects of ageing are well known. These include:
- Decreased muscle mass and therefore strength
- Decreased elasticity of tendons and ligaments leading to muscle and joint stiffness
- Decreased strength in the heart muscles also making it harder to pump blood around the body
- Osteoporosis (weakening of bones leading to fractures)
- Joint stiffness and arthritis
The processes of ageing can be slowed by regular stretching and exercise. Current research shows many benefits of activity in the elderly including: increasing muscle mass and slowing the effects of ageing, decreased risk of falling, increasing blood flow and improving cardio function, maintaining independence etc.
Physiotherapy can help guide you in a gentle, safe activity or exercise program according to your needs. Recommendations to improve safety in the home or walking can also be made. Prescribing walkers, aides, hip protectors etc can all help to prevent injuries in the elderly.
Physiotherapy treatment services (massage, electrical and movement therapy) to help ease the pain of arthritis or other injuries are important to provide comfort and allow better quality of life for our elderly population.
