Nursing homes have a negative stigma attached to them in the United States. Many people believe that nursing homes can't provide a high quality of life to their residents. Adding an exercise program for the elderly in nursing homes can help physical disabilities, aid in the activities of daily living and improve the mood.
Prevelance
According to the American Geriatrics Society, there were 17,000 nursing homes in the United States capable of housing 1.8 million people as of 2005. Most of the residents living in nursing homes are aged 85 years or older and have some kind of impairment that hinders participation in activities of daily living.
Types
According to "Exercise Testing and Prescription" by David Nieman, exercise for the frail elderly should focus on functionality. A combination of aerobic and resistance training should be used in order to improve quality of life, activities of daily living and decrease dependency on others. Aerobic training via walking or stationary bicycling can help prevent disease and improve cardiovascular functioning and endurance. Resistance training with weights improves muscular strength and can aid in daily activities and decrease falls. A study published in 1999 in the "Journal of Gerontology" suggests that resistance training should focus on muscles used in walking and the activities of daily living. These include upper leg and hip muscles as well as upper arm and shoulder muscles.
Intensity and Duration
For aerobic exercise the recommended intensity and duration for anyone remains constant regardless of age. A person should exercise at a moderate intensity for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, states Nieman. A study published in the "American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation" in 1992 found that a moderate to high intensity exercise program including an aerobic and resistive portion improves mobility, strength and endurance.
Physical Benefits
"Exercise Testing and Prescription" lists a myriad of physical benefits that exercise can offer to the elderly. Regular aerobic exercise can maintain and improve cardiovascular functioning and prevent or help treat disease such as hypertension, high cholesterol and diabetes. More important though, is resistance training. Resistance training improves and maintains strength and can reduce the likelihood of developing further physical limitations. Resistance training can also help decrease the instance of falling in the elderly, states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Emotional Benefits
Emotional and cognitive benefits can be gained with regular physical activity. As stated in "Exercise Testing and Prescription," psychological benefits include improved and preserved cognitive function, increase in positive mood, decreased instance of depression and improved self esteem.
Considerations
A properly trained staff and the right exercise equipment is needed to start and maintain an exercise program. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention suggest using a physical therapist to evaluate an exercise program. Equipment such as treadmills, stationary bicycles and easy to use weight machines should be used in training the elderly. In addition, medical clearance should be sought before beginning any exercise program.
References
- American Geriatric Society: Aging in the Know
- "Exercise Testing and Prescription" Nieman, David C. 2007.
- "Journal Of Gerontology"; Nursing Rehabilitation and Exercise Strategies in the Nursing Home; John Morris et al.; 1999
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Fall Prevention Activities
- "American Journal of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation"; A Clinical Trial of Strengthening and Aerobic Exercise To Improve Gait and Balance in Elderly Male Nursing Home Residents; 1992
