Staying active improves the physical and emotional health of older adults. However, it's not always easy to convince this population to make this type of activity a regular part of their lifestyle.
Fortunately, there are specialists who can help us achieve this. One of them is Mexican physical therapist Leticia Castañeda . The expert gave an interview that was broadcast on Theramart's YouTube channel.
The talk was moderated by Julieta Machuca, the brand's public relations manager, and below we share the highlights from that meeting.
The role of physiotherapy in older adults
For Leticia, physiotherapy will always be present in three modalities:
- A preventive role.
- Accompanying any treatment.
- Accompanying a sequel.
“Physical therapy plays such a valuable role with older adults from a preventative perspective, because it's where we can best address our grandparents. Because when something has happened to them, like a hip fracture, they often die not from the fracture itself, but because they're afraid of movement, there are aftereffects from the immobilization they suffered, etc. It affects them emotionally and other aspects of their health ,” the specialist commented.
Therefore, before encouraging movement in these adults, the expert suggests specifying what movement, for whom, what type of physical activity, and for what type of patients.
Hence, physical therapy has two primary goals: to strengthen and to prevent. "To strengthen what already exists and to prevent what we already know can happen to that patient," Leticia said.
Movement and its importance for the caregiver
Of course, promoting this movement is important among caregivers. And the expert also addressed this topic. “All exercise is useful. Movement can be present at all times of an older adult's day: while sitting, while walking, and even for bedridden patients. There are many exercises if we get a little creative,” she said.
And she added: “I always try to educate the caregiver. The key is to teach them how, to tell them, 'Your grandpa has this, he's prone to this happening, so let's take care of this.' I always educate the patient's caregiver.”
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Therefore, he took some time to assess the role of the caregiver. "He and the patient are a perfect match. He's the person who will spend the most time with the grandparent, who will probably know him very well, and this will allow us to see him in consultation fewer times per week."
Movements recommended for an older adult
Everything will depend on the patient's health. Therefore, Leticia Castañeda makes the following recommendations:
For a bedridden patient
“When the patient is unable to move independently, mobilizations and postural changes will always be worked on. If a patient can only move their arms, a harness and an aluminum bar can be attached to the bed. This way, they can help their caregiver raise themselves a little. Perhaps if they want to change position, they can hold onto the bar and adjust. The foundation will always be healthy posture and movement, as much as possible and in all parts of the body as possible.”
For an independent older adult
“Walking is a very good exercise. If an adult enjoys going for a walk with other older adults, let them do it. It's a basic exercise, and one we struggle least with getting people to do, because there's nothing more primitive and simple than that. Tai chi also helps a lot.”
As a preventative measure for people in general
“To maintain mobility, we have to move. There's no other way. For those who spend a lot of time sitting, I tell them it's unnatural to sit in the same position for eight or ten hours. So move around, move your neck, move your shoulders. You can set an alarm on your phone, a timer that alerts you every hour. And it's fine. After two minutes, you can get up, move your neck, your arms, get active a little, walk around, and sit back down.”
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A vital piece in the health of the elderly
As can be seen, physical activity represents a fundamental element that should be part of everyone's lifestyle, including, of course, older adults.
Through this conversation with Leticia, we learned about the importance of movement and how it can make a difference in the physical health of any adult and their environment. “Grandparents aren't furniture or part of the home decor. They need to be moved, because we always imagine them sitting knitting or reading the newspaper. We need to change that perspective.”
Experts like this physical therapist will always provide valuable information on patient care and support options related to ensuring maximum rest.
