Caring for the Elderly with Strength Training

One of the aims of physiotherapy in the care of the elderly is to
prevent falls and improve balance.

Major causes of falls in the aged are muscle weakness, poor balance
and posture, the very challenges that physiotherapy deals with
effectively.

Reduced muscle mass (atrophy), which leads to muscle weakness, is as a
result of lack of use, disease or reduced nourishment.

Involving the elderly in strength training, also known as resistance
training, will improve the strength and overall condition of their
muscles. This is turn would improve posture, gait and functional
independence of these mature ones.

Experienced physiotherapists know just how to engage seniors in the
appropriate strength training programme to enable them carry out
activities of daily living age graciously and generally feel good.

(photo-credit: heavy.com)