Adults 65 years of age and older benefit most from physical therapy because, as we age, our muscles and joints tend to lose strength and stability. This change may have a negative impact on an older person’s ability to do daily tasks and motions including walking, climbing, and descending stairs.
A type of physical treatment designed especially for elderly people and their particular problems and difficulties is called geriatric physical therapy. Geriatric physical therapy considers the fact that people over 65 have a decreased tolerance for physical exercise, a tendency to become less active with time, and a decline in muscle strength, coordination, and response speed. Distinct from other forms of physical therapy, geriatric physical therapy concentrates on enhancing the strength and stamina of elderly patients to aid in the following ways:
While physical activity is recommended for people of all ages, people over 65 should prioritize it to prevent deconditioning and maintain their functional strength, endurance, and range of motion for everyday chores. Long periods of sitting or lying down combined with an increasing sedentary lifestyle can quickly lead to low activity tolerance, persistent discomfort, weakness and muscle atrophy, and an increased risk of falls in persons over 65. For seniors 65 years of age and above, even a small amount of physical exercise, like taking a stroll around the house or performing some light housekeeping or cooking, should be the objective. At least two days a week should be dedicated to strength, balance, and flexibility exercises.
The goal of geriatric physical therapy is to assist senior citizens in building the muscle strength necessary to carry out daily activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and changing postures. Therefore, geriatric physical therapy can help older people maintain their independence and avoid other diseases like muscular atrophy that can result from inactivity. Ishas Physiotherapy provides the best geriatric physical therapy in Jayanagar, Bangalore.
What Is Geriatric Physical Therapy?
A type of physical treatment designed especially for elderly people and their particular problems and difficulties is called geriatric physical therapy. Geriatric physical therapy considers the fact that people over 65 have a decreased tolerance for physical exercise, a tendency to become less active with time, and a decline in muscle strength, coordination, and response speed. Distinct from other forms of physical therapy, geriatric physical therapy concentrates on enhancing the strength and stamina of elderly patients to aid in the following ways:
- Staying active.
- Preventing deconditioning (reversing prior conditioning) from happening.
- Preventing muscles from diminishing away (known as atrophy).
- Lowering the risk of falls and the injuries they cause.
- Retaining autonomy in carrying out daily tasks.
- Clinics and hospitals that treat outpatients.
- Assisted living facilities and inpatient healthcare facilities, such as nursing homes and rehabilitation centers.
- At home, which is particularly useful for people who struggle with mobility and find it difficult to leave the house.
Physical Activity Tips
While physical activity is recommended for people of all ages, people over 65 should prioritize it to prevent deconditioning and maintain their functional strength, endurance, and range of motion for everyday chores. Long periods of sitting or lying down combined with an increasing sedentary lifestyle can quickly lead to low activity tolerance, persistent discomfort, weakness and muscle atrophy, and an increased risk of falls in persons over 65. For seniors 65 years of age and above, even a small amount of physical exercise, like taking a stroll around the house or performing some light housekeeping or cooking, should be the objective. At least two days a week should be dedicated to strength, balance, and flexibility exercises.
Summary
The goal of geriatric physical therapy is to assist senior citizens in building the muscle strength necessary to carry out daily activities, including walking, climbing stairs, and changing postures. Therefore, geriatric physical therapy can help older people maintain their independence and avoid other diseases like muscular atrophy that can result from inactivity. Ishas Physiotherapy provides the best geriatric physical therapy in Jayanagar, Bangalore.