06/08/2024
The phrase “if you don’t use it, you lose it” is true for older adults and their physical function. Why does this happen? As we age, we lose a little bit of our muscle mass each year, have more difficulty balancing while standing, and lose the ability to do quick movements (this helps you “catch yourself” if you lose your balance). The only way to not “lose it” is by staying active - doing resistance training to build strength, doing aerobic exercise to keep your heart and lungs strong, and doing activities that challenge your balance and require you to move quickly.
Unfortunately, most people become less physically active as they get older. Less adults who are 65+ years old meet federal physical activity guidelines than their younger adults (only 15.3% of men meet guidelines, 10.8% of women do.)
How does this play out in everyday life? Losing physical function can become a vicious cycle - 1) people move less because 2) they have a harder time moving than they used to, which leads to 3) even more loss of function. Gradually everyday activities become harder. Going up and down stairs to do laundry, taking their dog for a walk, cleaning their home, or standing up from sitting in a chair.
So, how do I help the older adults that I treat address this issue? Regardless of what they initially came to see me for, I do my best to get them on a regular routine of physical activity. I find that most people know they need to be more active, but they need help doing so. So as they get ready to “discharge” from PT, my main question to myself is: “how can I make it as easy as possible for them to maintain what they’ve gained while working with me?” Some people will want to go work out at a gym on their own or go to group classes or hire a personal trainer. Some people want to exercise by themselves at home. Some people have exercise equipment at home, some don’t.
Whatever the situation, we work together to create a plan that’s best for them. Being able to use your body in the ways that you desire is really important—feeling independent is important. And as a PT, that’s what I help people do.
