What is Aging?
Aging is defined as a decline or loss (a “de-tuning”) of adaptation with increasing age”. With aging there is a progressive functional decline, or a gradual deterioration of physiological function. In simpler words, aging represents the accumulation of physical, psychological, and social changes in a human being overtime. The changes are a combination of muscle loss, increased wear and tear of the joints, decreased cardiorespiratory capacity and increased risk of fall. All of these contribute to the lesser participation of the elderly in daily activities and create a vicious cycle of diseases and disorders like diabetes, hypertension, stroke, dementia, depression,etc. A sedentary lifestyle also leads to increase in the risk of fall episodes causing fractures and other injuries.
How physical therapy can help you
WHO defines healthy aging as a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being.
Geriatric Physical therapy focuses on all the components of aging. Once we assess the individual, we create an individualized plan for them. The Geriatric Rehabilitation generally encompasses muscle endurance and strength training, flexibility, balance & proprioception training, posture correction, osteoporosis management and Pilates. Geriatric Physical therapy program will encourage “Healthy Aging” with active participation in the daily activities as well in the social activities. It helps them to be less dependent on others for their daily activities of living.