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Geriatric rehabilitation: articles and guides
Articles on muscle loss, balance, falls and keeping independence in later life.
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Geriatric Geriatric Which exercises are safe with osteoporosis?
Most people with osteoporosis can exercise safely, and exercise strengthens bones and muscles and reduces falls. A UK consensus recommends resistance and impact exercise for bone strength, strength and balance training to prevent falls, and back extension exercises for posture. People with spinal fractures should keep impact to the level of brisk walking and avoid heavy forward bending.Read moreGeriatric Can muscle lost with age be rebuilt?
Yes. Muscles respond to strength training at any age. In a trial of frail, very elderly nursing home residents, a short course of progressive resistance training substantially increased muscle strength and improved walking speed. Sarcopenia, the age-related loss of muscle strength and mass, responds to regular strengthening exercise and adequate nutrition.Read moreGeriatric What is recovery like after a hip fracture in older adults?
Most older adults have surgery soon after a hip fracture and start getting out of bed shortly afterwards. Recovery of walking and independence takes months and continues after leaving hospital. Exercise programmes that include walking, balance and strength training improve mobility, and preventing further falls is a central part of recovery.Read moreGeriatric How can older adults overcome a fear of falling?
Fear of falling is common and can lead people to avoid activity, which weakens muscles and increases fall risk. Exercise such as balance training, strength training and tai chi reduces fear of falling and lowers the rate of falls. A falls risk assessment, home safety changes and gradual practice of feared activities help rebuild confidence.Read moreGeriatric How do you choose the right walking aid?
The right walking aid depends on your strength, balance, pain, memory and surroundings. Sticks help with mild balance problems or a painful leg, crutches take more weight through the arms, and frames give the most stability. The aid should reach your wrist crease when standing, and a stick is held on the opposite side to the painful leg.Read moreGeriatric Why do older people get weaker in hospital?
Older people often lose strength and independence during a hospital stay because of illness, bed rest and reduced movement. Even a short spell of bed rest can measurably reduce leg strength in healthy older adults. A substantial share of older patients leave hospital less independent than before. Moving during the stay helps prevent this.Read moreGeriatric How can pressure sores be prevented?
Pressure sores are prevented by relieving pressure regularly, checking the skin daily, using suitable mattresses and cushions, keeping skin clean and dry and maintaining good nutrition and hydration. People who cannot move easily, such as those confined to bed or a wheelchair, are at highest risk and need a prevention plan that includes regular repositioning.Read more
