Geriatric rehabilitation includes exercise because it slows down the aging process and reduces the symptoms of chronic diseases. According to Janie Clark, the founder and president of the American Senior Fitness Association, exercises for older adults will immediately "relieve pain, produce a sense of well-being, prevent falls, increase independence, reduce medical costs, reverse obesity, protect joints from further breakdown, and increase lung and heart function."
Considerations
Limited strength and function in geriatric patients is often due to a host of medical conditions. Awareness of these factors helps to ensure safety and prescribe proper exercises for older adults. As an example, passive exercises can be used for individuals who have neurological limitations. In addition, isometric strengthening, which creates a muscle contraction without moving the joint, can be used for individuals who have limited joint mobility.
Range of Motion
Range-of-motion exercises for the joints will thicken joint cartilage and reduce the symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis. Arthritis patients will benefit even more from range-of-motion exercises done in an environment that reduces excess force on the joints, such as a pool.
Weight Training
Bone and muscle tissue adapts to meet the demands of the force applied to them. Therefore, weightlifting workouts strengthen muscle and increase bone density, which is a main goal in geriatric rehabilitation. This kind of activity effectively combats diseases such as osteoporosis. According to Clark, weight-bearing activities for geriatric patients "have been shown to nearly triple muscle strength." To get these results, weighted exercises need to be repeated 12 to 15 times, for one to three sets.
Aerobic Exercise
This is activity that is sustained for at least 15 to 20 minutes. Examples include faster-paced walking and jogging, biking, swimming, and aqua-fit classes. Aerobic exercise for older adults increases heart and lung health as well as metabolic rate so that they will burn more calories, thereby preventing or reducing obesity. To get these benefits it is recommended that a person work at 55 to 75 percent of their maximum heart rate, which is 220 minus their age. Engaging in this type of activity fights heart disease and high blood pressure.
References
- "Exercise Programming for Older Adults"; Janie Clark; 1996
- "Functional Fitness for Older Adults"; Patricia A. Brill; 2004
- "A Primer of Biomechanics"; George L. Lucas; 1999
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