Physiotherapy Exercises for the Elderly to Help Maintain Independence
Physiotherapy Exercises for the Elderly to Help Maintain Independence
We all understand the importance of exercise in remaining fit and healthy, but as we grow older, our mobility naturally reduces, making certain exercises difficult to participate in. Fortunately, there are many different physiotherapy exercises that are suited to the older person, helping them to maintain an independent, active, and happy life.
The mobility and ability of elderly people can change on a daily basis, which is why a diverse physiotherapy exercise plan containing some or all of the below is often well suited to an older person:
- Gentle walks
- Gentle stretches
- Working with resistance bands
- Lifting lightweight dumbbells
- Light gardening
- Standing from a chair
- Leg rises whilst sitting
At Therapies on Thames, our caring team of professionals understands that regular exercise and light physiotherapy exercises for elderly people is extremely important for their physical and mental wellbeing. Therefore, we provide the best care and support to clients aged over 65 and recommend exercises which are designed specifically for our elderly clients.
What are the benefits of physiotherapy exercises for elderly people?
Simple physiotherapy exercises can provide many benefits to an elderly person, including boosting general health and wellbeing. Getting elderly people to maintain physiotherapy exercises can help to manage pain, increase strength, brighten mood, and maintain independence.
Other benefits of regular physiotherapy exercises include:
- Improved cardiovascular health – regular exercise helps to prevent heart attacks and strokes
- Better cognitive function – taking regular physical exercise has been found to be one of the best things an older person can do to stave off dementia
- Improved flexibility – osteoarthritic pain poses a significant issue for older adults, with joints and muscles becoming stiff and immobile. Exercise allows movement to be maintained and decreases discomfort
- Prevents falls – exercise helps maintain strength and flexibility, which in turn, helps an older person to avoid falls and injuries
- Improves sleep – exercise can help to fatigue a patient, helping them to sleep better. Having sufficient sleep is an important factor in improving overall mental and physical health
- Increases confidence – regular exercise can help an older person maintain confidence in what they are able to physically do, and allow them to continue being socially active
Whether it’s used to maintain mobility or increase energy levels, regular physiotherapy exercises of any kind have been proven to help elderly people continue to live a happy, independent life.
Is it safe for elderly people to do physiotherapy exercises?
As we slowdown in later life and certain age-related health issues tend to arise, certain exercises can become both difficult, and unsafe for elderly people to undertake. However, there are many gentle physiotherapy exercises that are perfectly safe for elderly people to participate in; it’s more a case of finding the right exercise to match individual abilities and needs.
Our caring team of expert physiotherapists at Therapies on Thames is here to advise and teach exercises that we know will be safe and simple for an older person to complete.
About Therapies on Thames
Therapies on Thames offers specialist rehabilitation services for the elderly across the UK. With a head office located in Berkshire, our team provides inpatient and home visit services for those who need physiotherapy or occupational therapy to help recover from an injury or ongoing health issues.
All physiotherapists at Therapies on Thames are registered Charted Physiotherapists with the CSP (Charted Society of Physiotherapy) and are registered with the Health & Care Professionals Council. For added peace of mind all our physiotherapist are Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checked.
A charted physiotherapist is a title that only a fully qualified physiotherapist registered with the CSP (Charted Society of Physiotherapy) can use. Charted Physiotherapists have undergone intense training and have a 3–4-year university degree or equivalent and are recognised by medical professions and the Department of Health.
If you or a loved one needs assistance in regaining or maintaining an active life, contact us today by completing our contact form.