UNIT IV: PHYSICAL CARE OF OLDER impulses, but it does slow the speed of nerve

PERSON transmission.
❑A loss of muscle mass can interfere with
NORMAL ACTIVITY PATTERNS activities that require muscular strength.
❑Activities such as moving furniture, lifting bags
ACTIVITY AND EXERCISE of groceries, and vacuuming may become
increasingly difficult.
ACTIVITY
❑AGILITY - the ability to move quickly and
❑Is anything that requires the expenditure of
smoothly decreases with age.
energy.
❑This may cause difficulty when older adults try
❑Some activities require only a small expenditure
to climb ladders or avoid hazards while walking.
of energy, whereas others require a great deal of
❑DEXTERITY- the ability to perform fine
energy.
manipulative skills, is also likely to decrease with
❑The amount and type of exercise one performs
age.
changes over the life span, exercise and activity
❑Gross motor skills remain intact longer than do
remain an essential part of life.
fine motor skills.
❑People who were not physically active as young
❑However, skills that were perfected younger,
adults can become more physically active as they
such as playing musical instrument may be
age, but it must be increased gradually to avoid
maintained at a high level if used regularly
injury
❑Decrease stamina is typically seen with aging.
❑Exercise helps people look and feel better.
❑This is most often a result of decreased oxygen
❑Physical activity is necessary to maintain joint
supply to body tissues.
mobility and muscle tone.
❑Impaired oxygen exchange may be caused by
❑Older person should be encouraged as active
loss of elasticity in the lungs and a smaller chest
and as independent as possible. Because existing
cavity.
medical conditions may restrict activity.
❑The decreased availability of oxygen lead to the
❑Many older person remain physically active. It is
need for frequent pauses during activity or slower
common to see individuals in their sixties,
pace when performing activities.
seventies and older, leading active, selfsufficient
❑Coordination of multiple activities is likely to
lives.
decrease with aging.
❑Aging does not imply that a person must sit in a
❑Activities that require simultaneous perception
recliner and vegetate.
of many stimuli and quick physical response (such
❑Aging may change the type amount of
as driving) are often affected
participation, but active participation in a variety
of activities is the best way to maintain high-level
BENEFITS OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITY
function.
❑Physical activities requires a complex
BENEFIT
interaction of physiologic processes, primarily
❑Reduced mortality rates, even for smokers and
those of neurologic, musculoskeletal,
the obese
cardiovascular, and respiratory systems.
❑Preservation of skeletal muscle strength,aerobic
❑Anything that interferes with the coordination
capacity, and bone density, contributing to
of these systems can later the ability to
greater mobility and independence
participate in physical activity.
❑Reduced risk of obesity
ACTIVITY AND AGING ❑Prevention and treatment of cardiovascular
❑With advancing age, most people experience disorders (including rehabilitation after
some changes in the ability to perform or tolerate myocardial infarction), diabetes, osteoporosis,
activity, and this ability varies widely among older colon cancer, and psychiatric disorders (especially
person. mood disorders)
❑In general, the more active of a lifestyle a ❑Prevention of falls and fall-related injuries by
person has lived, the more active he/she remains improving muscle
aging. strength, balance, coordination, joint function,
❑The first changed notice by most aging people is and endurance (1)
a decrease in the rate or speed of activity. ❑Improved functional ability
❑Things that could be done quickly in the past ❑Opportunities for social interaction
now take longer. ❑Enhanced sense of well-being
❑Many older individuals complain that it now ❑Possibly improved sleep quality
takes them much longer to dress, shop or do other
simple activities.
❑Normal aging does not interfere with the
transmission of nerve EXERCISE IN OLDER ADULTS
 SLEEP AND REST
EXERCISE
❑Exercise is usually used to mean movement that SLEEP
generates aerobic debt and increased heart rate ❑Sleep is just as important to your physical and
and for many people is an important behavior emotional health as it
with many positive outcomes. was when you were younger.
❑However, simple physical activity (e.g, walking, ❑ good night's sleep helps improve concentration
gardening) has many of the same benefits for and memory formation, allows your body to repair
older people, especially those > 70; thus, physical any cell damage that occurred during the day, and
activity, without aerobic debt or refreshes your immune system, which in turn
cardioacceleration, is recommended, even for helps
those with mobility limitations. to prevent disease.
❑Physical activity is inappropriate for only a few ❑Most healthy older adults age 65 or older need
older people (eg, those with unstable medical 7-8 hours of sleep each night to feel rested and
conditions). alert.
❑With aging, sleep patterns tend to change. Most
EXERCISE RECOMMENDATION FOR people find that aging causes them to have a
OLDER PERSON harder time falling asleep.
❑They awaken more often during the night and
GUIDELINES TO HELP MAKE A REGULAR earlier in the morning.
EXERCISE PROGRAM ❑ Total sleep time stays the same or is slightly
1. Keep it simple- simple exercise programs are decreased (6.5 to 7 hours per night).
more likely to be successful than complicated ❑Too much or too little sleep is associated with a
ones that are hard to remember or difficult to shower lifespan.
perform ❑One of the largest studies done on the
2. Have a plan- set up a weekly calendar with a relationship between sleep and longevity found
planned time to exercise to keep on track. that sleeping more than seven hours and less
3. Do it with a friend- enlisting the company of a than five and half hours decreases longevity
friend who can provide mutual encouragement
and support is highly motivating. STRATEGIES THAT CAN HELP OLDER ADULTS
4. Keep it interesting- join an exercise or dance SLEEP MORE SOUNDLY
class as a way to try some new form of exercise
that is more interesting and motivating 1. SPEND TIME OUTDOORS
5. Try music- upbeat rhythms or waltzes can help Enjoying fresh air and sunlight during the day can
coordinate your movements. Music designed go a long way to helping sleep patterns at night
specifically for exercise is available in music because it helps to regulate your body’s natural
stores or online. rhythm and reminds your body what time it is.
6. Get a coach- a physical therapist can provide
additional teaching and motivation and can design 2. PAY ATTENTION TO DIET
a safe workout routine that can be done at Filling plate with nutrient-rich foods, lean
home. proteins and heart-healthy fats can contribute to
7. Set a goal- goals should be realistic but a great night’s sleep. It’s also a good idea to stock
challenging, focus on small but memorable gains up on fruits, which contain minerals that help
in the areas of strength and flexibility such as relax muscles and get you to sleep faster. Right
increasing strength to walk additional block or before bed, try sipping a warm drink, such as
being able to put on shoes more easily heated milk or (noncaffeinated) tea, to help
regulate the production of melatonin.
HOW CAN YOU ENCOURAGE THE ELDERLY TO
PARTICIPATE IN ACTIVITIES? 3. CREATE AN ENVIRONMENT FOR SLEEP
TIPS: Many of us do not “hit the hay” in a sleep-friendly
1.Having someone to exercise with you makes it environment. Make sure you have a dark and quiet
more enjoyable. space. Turn off the television to reduce light and
2.Make exercise a priority and set time aside sound, and lie down! Preferably in a bed, rather
during the day. than curling up on the couch or trying to fall
3.Identify activities that they enjoy. asleep in your reclining chair
4.Start slowly and advance the exercise program
gradually. 4. STICK TO A ROUTINE
5.Set realistic expectations. Getting into a schedule and a bedtime routine will
6.Be supportive help body’s natural time keeping mechanism sync
up. By regularly going to bed at the same time,
your
body will be more ready to head to sleep.

5. REDUCE YOUR STRESS

6. CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR