Mobility issues can substantially impair the quality of life enjoyed by older adults across the United States, making it more difficult to perform simple everyday tasks. Given that aging in place is widely preferred among this population, introducing initiatives to prevent or counter the development of these physical impairments could be a boon for older adults everywhere.
As a care manager, your priority is to help your care recipients live as comfortably as possible. With that in mind, new research presented at the American Public Health Association Annual Meeting in Boston this week may provide inspiration for initiatives to introduce in your senior living community, or to incorporate in your home-based caregiving services.
According to a press release from New York's Hospital Special Surgery, researchers have observed notable benefits among older adults who took part in exercise programs offered at local senior centers.
The initiative, entitled "Impact of an Asian Community Bone Health Initiative: A Community-Based Exercise Program in New York City," specifically targeted older Asian Americans, as this population is expansive within the city and is generally more prone to mobility concerns linked to osteoarthritis and osteoporosis. Various senior centers in the area offered yoga sessions tailored toward arthritis management and care through exercise. Over the course of eight weeks, the researchers observed that participants reported improved mobility and decreased pain overall.
"Getting seniors to be active in any way will generally improve their quality of life and help them function better in their everyday activities. People believe that if you have arthritis you shouldn't exercise, but appropriate exercises actually help decrease pain," said Dr. Linda Russell, chair of the Public and Patient Education Advisory Committee at Hospital for Special Surgery.
If you cater to older adults with these medical issues, consider recommending this avenue of care or introducing exercise programs within your community – steered by professionals who have a background in arthritis management and eldercare. For home-based care recipients, you can schedule calendar check-ins and reminders to encourage older adults to take part in these regular exercises using Independa's comprehensive suite of eldercare applications. Information and content in our eldercare-enabled TV can deliver educational content that supports your wellness programs. Contact us today through our online form to learn more.
