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The importance of physical exercise in the elderly

The available evidence conclusively demonstrates that the most active older adults present beneficial effects on psychological and physical aspects. These are some tips.

For older adults, physical activity It consists of recreational or leisure events, travel (for example, walking or cycling), occupational tasks (when the person is still carrying out work activity), domestic tasks, games, sports or programmed exercises.

These days, when COVID-19 restrictions are present and greater care with older adults is recommended, they should not stop doing some physical exercise at home, in order to improve cardiorespiratory and muscle functions and bone and functional health, and reduce the risk of non-communicable diseases, depression and cognitive impairment.

According to Clara Lucía Ospina, director of Home Day My House, a garden for the elderly, one of the characteristics that come implicit in the elderly are the alterations in the physical state due to the aging of the body. We know that as people age their health deteriorates, bringing complications for the activities they do in their daily lives.

But it’s not all bad news Research has shown that physical exercise can change the rate of degeneration. It is only necessary to acquire a different lifestyle, related to good behavioral habits in terms of eating and physical activity, which also plays a very important role in neuropsychological health, improving sleep patterns, cognitive health and states. depressive

“Therefore, every day we do muscle stretching, dances, physical therapy … Movement is essential,” he says Clara Lucia Ospina, who also remembers with nostalgia the days when the garden was open, every day, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, to brighten the lives of so many older adults, and that today, due to the pandemic, it is closed.

However, he is also optimistic and says that “he hopes to see his friends soon, who have become family. And meanwhile, they take advantage of virtuality, such as social networks, to celebrate birthdays, recommend activities and stay in touch, remembering the importance of physical activity ”.

Geriatric rehabilitation

“Physiotherapy in the elderly goes beyond simple physical exercise, because, due to the needs of the adult population, physical activity programs must be prepared and organized by professionals in the field, carrying out a prior evaluation that allows determining the capacities of each individual and implementing the plan accordingly ”, he recalls July Alexandra Noy Baquero, physical therapist specialist in security from the Manuela Beltrán University and professor at Hogar Día Mi Jardín.

He main goal of physical therapy For the elderly in Bogotá and anywhere in the country it should be: provide the person with a preventive, corrective or maintenance program, where functional independence is sought and thus improve their quality of life.

“It is essential to characterize in a general way the functional status, level of physical activity and physical condition. These three variables are measured by means of two questionnaires and a physical battery, which determines the state of physical capacities (upper and lower body strength, flexibility, aerobic condition and dynamic balance), in addition to measuring grip strength with a manual dynamometer , which helps us to have a vision of the physical state and guides us for the planning of the activities to be carried out ”, he assures Edison Alejandro Torres Bustamante, another of the teachers of the garden for older adults, graduated in Physical Education, Recreation and Sports, at the Cenda University Corporation.

In order to maintain and improve this mobility and motor skills, it is important to take into account the following indications:

  • Assess, maintain and increase maximum joint mobility.
  • Improve independence in activities of daily living.
  • Increase muscle strength.
  • Achieve a good balance pattern.
  • Achieve the trust and cooperation of the patient from the beginning.

Clara Lucía Ospina comments that another of the teachers is José Galván —professor of dance and hospitable clown, with more than ten years working through laughter and corporal expression—, who mixes music to activate mental health and, “also to give them dance classes for older adults —another highly recommended exercise—, it brings joy through music. “

“The happiness that seeing my grandparents gives me fills my soul. Seeing your recovery through happiness therapy, during work hours, twice a week, is priceless. Giving love through work is what they always need. Love heals everything. That is my greatest experience as a dance teacher and delivering laughter therapy to human beings as valuable as our older adults, ”he says. José Galván.

Exercise, music and love – that seems to be the key.

Beneficial Effects of Physical Activity in Older Adults

According to World Health Organization, Overall, the available evidence strongly demonstrates that, compared to less active older adults, men and women, physically active older people:

  • They have lower death rates from all causes (coronary heart disease, hypertension, strokes, type 2 diabetes, colon and breast cancer, and depression), better function of their cardiorespiratory and muscular systems, and better body mass and composition.
  • They have a more favorable biomarker profile for the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes and the improvement of bone health, and they have greater functional health, lower risk of falls, better preserved cognitive functions and a lower risk of functional limitations moderate and severe.

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