Benefits of Physical Activity for Elderly: Improving Health and Well-being
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Presentation Transcript
Physical Benefits of Activity • Improves the functioning of body systems: • Respiratory • Circulatory • Digestive • Excretory • Musculoskeletal
Physiological Effect of Exercise • Enhances mental acuity and mood. • Promotes socialization. • Helps avoid multiple health problems: • Atherosclerosis, obesity, joint immobility, pneumonia, constipation, pressure ulcers, depression, and insomnia
Factors Affecting the Maintenance of an Active State in the Elderly • Decreased cardiac output • Reduced breathing capacity and efficiency • Delayed oxygen diffusion • Decrease in muscle mass, strength, and movement • Bone brittleness • Poor vision and hearing
Factors Affecting the Maintenance of an Active State in the Elderly (cont.) • Social isolation • Skin alterations • Lower BMR • Higher prevalence of chronic disease • Reduced income
Factors Exercise Programs Should Address • Cardiovascular Endurance • The ability of the heart, lungs, and blood vessels to deliver oxygen to all body cells. • Flexibility • The ability to freely move muscles and joints through their range of motion. • Strength Training • Challenging the muscles to enhance strength and endurance.
Benefits of Physical Activity for Older Adults • Lowering blood pressure • Maintaining muscle strength • Preventing falls • Aiding lymphatic circulation • Sharpening mental acuity • Elevating mood • Improving digestion and elimination
Calculating Maximum and Target Heart Rates • Maximum heart rate = 220 - age • Target heart rate = maximum heart rate x 75% • Target heart rate range = 65% to 80% of maximum heart rate
Body tone Circulation Appetite Digestion Elimination Respiration Immunity Sleep Self-concept Functions Improved by Physical Exercise
Assisting the Elderly with Exercise • Exercise all body joints through their normal range of motion at least three times daily. • Support the joint and distal limb during the exercise. • Do not force the joint past the point of resistance.
Deleterious Effects of Inactivity • Changes in physiologic function • Increased risk of complications • Changes in mood and self concept • Increased dependency • Reduced opportunities for socialization
Nursing Interventions for Inactivity • Identify patients at high risk for developing complications from inactivity. • Implement interventions to prevent inactivity. • Implement a reconditioning program for persons with chronic deconditioning.
Source • Eliopoulos, C. (2005). Gerontological Nursing, (6th ed.). Philadelphia: Lippincott, Williams & Wilkins (ISBN 0-7817-4428-8).