Physical Therapy and Types of Exercises for Older Adults

Physical therapy is particularly important for adults ages 65 and older as muscles and joints tend to lose strength and stability over time (often due to disuse and fear). This change can negatively impact older adults' independence in performing daily tasks and movements, like changing positions, standing, walking, and going up and down stairs and loss of their independence

What Does Physical Therapy for Older Adults look Like?

Elder Care physical therapy is a form of physical therapy specifically geared toward older adults and their unique issues and challenges. We take into account that older adults tend to become less active over time, experience a decrease in muscle strength, coordination, and reaction timing, and have a lower tolerance for physical activity.

This type of physical therapy is different from other types of physical therapy because it focuses more on building strength and endurance in older adults to help in the following ways

• Keeping active
• Preventing deconditioning (reversal of previous conditioning)
• Preventing muscle atrophy (the wasting away of muscles)
• Decreasing the risk of falls and related injuries
• Maintaining independence in performing daily activities

Most Elder Care physical therapy is performed on an outpatient basis and covered by Medicare Part B

Physical Activity Tips

Physical activity is important for people of any age, but it's especially important for older adults over 65 to prevent deconditioning and to maintain functional strength, endurance, and range of motion for everyday activities. An increased sedentary lifestyle (sitting or lying down for long periods of time) in older adults can quickly lead to weakness and muscle atrophy, poor balance, chronic pain, poor activity tolerance, and increased risk of falls

Adults ages 65 and older should aim to do something physical every day, even if it is just light activity like walking around your home, cooking, or cleaning. Performing exercises that improve strength, balance, and flexibility should be done at least three-five days a week

You also should aim to complete at least 150 minutes of moderate intensity activity over the course of an entire week. Moderate intensity activity includes brisk walking, hiking, aerobics, bike riding, dancing, and sports and recreational activities. (National Health Service)

Did you know we offer an elder care program in our Hallandale location with Beth, our resident exercise physiologist. Supervised programming for people who want to keep moving, want to play with their grandchildren and dance at their daughter or grandchild’s wedding. Call today to see how we can help you move better

954 458-5700 option 2