The older population remains one the groups most vulnerable to developing severe coronavirus disease. In the European region, people aged 60 years and above account for over 95 percent of COVID-19 deaths, according to the World Health Organization. Here at home, mortality is highest among individuals aged 50 to 69.
Hence seniors are strongly encouraged to stay at home and avoid crowds and gatherings.
But the WHO also reminds the older folks staying at home to maintain physical activity and proper nutrition to stay healthy.
According to experts, the elderly and those approaching their senior years can benefit from physical therapy (PT), which can help in recovering from potentially debilitating conditions and encouraging independent living for as long as possible.
A fitness center, which offers online PT consultations, says physical therapy can also help avoid falls, reduced long-term strength and endurance, and infection, among others.
Falls – Aging or post-recovery from injuries/illnesses are prone to imbalances that lead to falling, which can injure or re-injure them.
Reduced long-term strength and endurance – PT can influence the body’s strength and endurance level, however, if the level is low, it can cause increased blood pressure and heart rate, and decreased oxygen saturation levels which can lead to stroke and heart attack.
Reduced confidence – Doing PT teaches its patients more efficient ways of completing daily activities, which can help improve both physical and mental health as well as the quality of life.
Increased pain – Decreased movement or no movements at all can lead to stiff joints, which people are prone to during the current quarantine. Decreased mobility leads to more pain.
Infections – Without active movement and the prevention that could have been offered by PT, there can be an increased risk for pneumonia, which is one of the main complications of COVID-19, and an increased potential of developing skin problems like ulcers.
“Combining PT with proper nutritional advice can also improve preventive measures to specific existing chronic illnesses like heart disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, allergies, diabetes, and pre-diabetic conditions, irritable bowel syndrome, celiac disease, and obesity,” Sante Fitness Lab said in a statement.
To help seniors and other individuals stay healthy while in quarantine, SFL (santefitnesslab.com) offers online fitness, PT, and nutritional consultations.
