The body undergoes many changes as you age. Seniors can face challenges from weakened muscles, joint injuries, and other issues. You can help your loved one age well by incorporating physical therapy into their routine. These programs are carefully designed to keep your loved one comfortable and on their feet.

Understanding Physical Therapy & Senior Health

Challenges Seniors Face

A leading cause of many issues seniors deal with is muscle atrophy. Lower hormone concentrations, not eating enough protein, and reduced exercise can contribute to muscle loss. Seniors may develop mobility challenges because of this, and they’ll only worsen as they become less physically active.

Muscle and bone weakness drastically increases the potential for slip and falls and other injuries. Your loved one may fracture a bone or damage soft tissue. The effects of a fall can reduce flexibility and range of motion, further hindering mobility. As seniors become less mobile, they’re more prone to weight gain, which can lead to diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.

Chronic conditions further increase the likelihood of injury. Seniors that suffer a stroke, deal with dementia symptoms, or develop arthritis are more at risk of falls because of their physical limitations. Reduced mobility could also make cooking and eating at home difficult, and malnutrition will promote muscle weakness and poor health.

How Physical Therapy Can Help

Physical therapy helps seniors recover and stay healthy. Those already facing weakness or recovering from surgery or injuries will undergo programs to strengthen specific muscle groups and restore range of motion.

Therapists will build a basic exercise plan for seniors as well. These may include light calisthenics or weights, resistance band training, stretching, and yoga. These exercises can build endurance, improve balance, and help your loved one maintain their mobility.

Exercise is also proven to improve mental health for seniors, which can go a long way toward aging healthily and managing chronic conditions. Coordination exercises can also work out the brain and potentially preserve cognitive health.

If you’re exploring at-home physical therapy for an aging loved one, Advantage Home Health & Hospice offers solutions. This LeFlore County, OK, home health care agency connects seniors and their families with all the resources they need. Whether it’s caregiver services, hospice care, or companionship, they’ll create a custom plan to keep your loved one healthy. Call (918) 647-0653 to speak with a representative and visit their website to learn more about their services.