DOCTOK

How Rehab Helps Elders Stay Mobile And Independent

We ran a survey amongst the elders. When asked what they craved and valued most at their age, the most common answers were mobility, independence, and staying in control of their lives — all of which lie at the heart of good rehab.

Slowing down, spending time on leisurely activities, playing with grandchildren, and taking walks also featured on the to-do lists of most elders, but what topped the list was always being free from illnesses and living a dignified life that is not dependent on others.

Why is it important to be mobile and independent in old age?

The first and most obvious benefit of golden years is the additional time that seniors have to do what they like the most. These might include things such as gardening, walking, spending time with family, or even travelling, but as one ages, the body will naturally undergo certain changes that would decrease the muscle strength, flexibility, and balance overall. Such limitations may result in falls and injuries, pain, and discomfort that impede the potential of staying active. As opposed to the belief, physical fitness is not the only thing that helps with mobility. Mental and emotional well-being are equally vital for the aged to live their life positively and confidently and participate in social activities.

We then asked them another question. What, according to them, would help them lead a mobile and independent life? This time, the answers were scattered. While most said financial stability, we reminded them of a very important practice that has been instrumental in helping elderly people reclaim their freedom to live the life they want. It is called rehabilitation.

What is rehabilitation?

The World Health Organization (WHO) defines rehab as an essential part of universal health coverage, along with promotion of good health, prevention of disease, treatment, and palliative care. According to the global organization, ‘Rehabilitation helps an older person to be as independent as possible in everyday activities and enables participation in education, work, recreation, and meaningful life roles.’

Here are some key facts stated by WHO.

Globally, an estimated 2.4 billion people are currently living with a health condition that may benefit from rehabilitation.

The need for rehabilitation worldwide is predicted to increase due to changes in the health and characteristics of the population. For example, people are living longer, but with more chronic disease and disability.

Currently, the need for rehabilitation is largely unmet. 

How does rehab help elders stay mobile and independent?

For understanding the differential role of rehab, let’s look at its various facets and specialties. 

Physical rehab

This branch of rehab focuses on:

Building strength and flexibility.

Enhancing balance to prevent falls and accidents.

Managing pain.

Improving recovery outcomes from surgery or illness.

Promoting heart health.

Physical rehabilitation helps older adults build muscle strength through specific exercises prescribed by rehabilitation experts, enabling them to perform their daily chores with ease and confidence. The physical therapists assist the seniors to improve their balance through the use of core and lower body, and combine different strategies to relieve pain and improve joint mobility. The rehabilitation program is also focused on determining the primary cause of pain and its elimination, with the long-term provision of relief and improved mobility. The personalized treatment guarantees that the elderly will heal faster after the surgery or other conditions and can resume their usual conduct as soon as possible. Physical rehab does not merely center on strength and endurance. The program is also useful in enhancing heart health and mental sharpness with aerobic exercises, which include walking, swimming, and cycling. 

Occupational rehab

The majority of individuals equate physical rehab and occupational rehab. On one hand, physical therapy is focused on strength gaining, pain management, and improvement of the recovery process; while on the other hand, occupational therapy is conducted to enable a person to perform daily tasks without any obstacles. These are consuming food, personal hygiene, cooking, dressing up, cleaning, etc., which are imperative to independent life.

Psychological support and counselling

Other than physical and occupational rehabilitation, the mental and emotional state of a human being is vital as well. Particularly, in chronic health conditions among the elderly. The diagnosis of an illness affects the minds of senior citizens adversely, resulting in depression, frustration, and anxiety. Such a state of mind may easily influence the physical well-being of an individual to a great extent and lead to disruptions in the treatment.

Rehab guarantees not only physical health but also psychological and emotional health. The therapies act as an inspiration and change the perspective, self-image, and general disposition of the individual, rendering him/her more susceptible to the therapy. Also, rehab promotes socializing among people since elderly people are provided with group activities and opportunities to integrate into the community, preventing their isolation.

Enrolling an elderly person for rehab is not neglecting them or shunning your responsibilities. It is intelligently choosing a specialized treatment program that helps the seniors lead a happy and dignified life without being overly dependent on anyone.