Elizabeth Mitchell RN



Exercise Promotion of the ElderlyElizabeth MitchellRobyn VeitchFerris State UniversityAbstractThis paper focuses on the importance of implementing exercise into the daily activity of the elderly. The health benefits of exercise are discussed, stressing the positive outcomes that are achieved, both physically and mentally. Suggestions as to means of incorporating exercise into the lifestyle of the elderly population are covered including aerobic exercise, strength training, and balance and flexibility regimens (Nied & Franklin (2002). Some of the barriers to exercise are discussed with documentation to support the positive effects, and dispel the fears associated with exercise. The elderly are encouraged to consult their physician before beginning an exercise program. Modes to promote compliance are discussed such as being straightforward, fun, and geared toward a patient’s individual health needs, beliefs, and goals (Nied & Franklin, 2002). Exercise Promotion of the ElderlyThe elderly population is growing in the United States and people sixty five and older could make up almost 19% of the United States population by the year 2030 (Administration on Aging, 2011). It is important to understand health promotion of the elderly population so individuals over sixty five are able to continue living a healthy and productive life. The focus here will be promoting exercise in the elderly population by using the best evidence based practice available.Importance of ExerciseExercise in the elderly can prevent cardiovascular problems and loss of muscle strength or flexibility. It helps the elderly population maintain independence in activities of daily living. It also slows down the aging process. For example, increasing exercise will decrease chances of a fall due to lack of muscle strength, balance or flexibility. Exercise provides psychological benefits by decreasing stress and depression. It provides many benefits to the elderly population thus making it a very important topic to cover (Tsai, T.H., Wong, A.M., Hsu, C.L., & Tseng, K.C. 2013). As one ages, the body slowly begins to shut down. Muscles shrink, mental capabilities diminish, appetite decreases and it becomes harder to get around. These things are considered to determine the frailty of an individual. The frailer an elderly person is the more care he/she needs and the less satisfied with life he/she is. These are all well known facts in the United States culture. Often, when this decline begins, people begin to ask for more help, do less and sit more. The culture expects these behaviors and unfortunately this will only quicken the decline by lack of movement (Tsai, T.H., Wong, A.M., Hsu, C.L., & Tseng, K.C. 2013). Promoting ExerciseThe best ways to promote exercise in the elderly are to involve a social component. An article by Tsai, Wong, Hsu and Tseng added a device to an assisted living home which combined a physical activity with a social component. It was proven to be beneficial to the community and increased physical activity and satisfaction of the residents (2013). Support systems are important to this population, especially women, and will help an individual be held responsible for his/her health choices. Making sure activities are realistic to each individual in regards to energy consumption, money and time is also important. In this population, most individuals are retired which often gives them limited resources. It is important to make many resources available to the elderly to help increase physical activity or a sedentary lifestyle will ensue (Pender, Murdaugh & Parsons, 2011, p. 274). Community based programs need to be a major focus for this population to help increase physical activity, decrease the instances of heart disease, diabetes and loss of mental awareness. It is also important to incorporate education in these programs to stress the proper amount of exercise, different types of exercise, benefits and importance of exercise (Kimura, M., Moriyasu, A., Kumagai, S., Furuna, T., Akita, S., Kimura, S., & Suzuki, T. 2013). To increase long term compliance, the exercise prescription should be straightforward, fun, and geared toward a person’s individual health needs, beliefs, and goals (Nied & Franklin, 2002). Also physician involvement is encouraged to motivate the person and advise them regarding their physical limitations and/or comorbidities (Neid & Franklin, 2002).Barriers to ExerciseThere are many underlying assumptions about health promotion for the elderly population that the reader needs to be aware of to fully understand this issue. Even though it has been proven that exercise on a regular basis decreases the risk of death in elderly individuals, still up to three fourths of the elderly do not follow exercise advice despite this alarming statistic (Nied & Franklin, 2002). This fact shows that even though education is available to this population it is not always easily followed as one might assume. Researchers have shown that there are many barriers to exercise that are evident in the elderly population that might contribute to this problem. As stated in this research study, some of the common barriers that exist in this population are fear of harm to oneself, habit, and prior illnesses to name a few (Nied & Franklin, 2002). For example, many elderly people do not participate in exercise due to the belief that an exercise routine may cause harm to them. Many elderly people may believe that during exercise they may slip on a pant leg, or not be able to balance themselves in the correct way which may lead to a fall. In order to decrease this belief, research suggests that this population needs to be educated on proper and safe clothing to wear, and to be trained about proper balance exercises to build up confidence in the strength of their bodies prior to moving onto more advanced routines (Nied & Franklin, 2002). Further, this study suggests that elderly people like to form habits and follow a daily routine. In order to incorporate exercise into a daily habit it is important to make exercises easy to remember and fun to do (Nied & Franklin, 2002). Lastly, this study mentions that many elderly people may have predisposing disease processes that may make exercise difficult. Nied and Franklin suggest the idea that in order to combat this obstacle it is important to teach the elderly population a variety of exercises they can while taking into account their current health status and strength ability. This will prevent discouragement and set expectations that are easy and realistic to follow (Nied & Franklin 2002). Educating this population about the common obstacles to exercise and the ways to resolve these potential barriers will help form a population of people that are more health conscious and confident, and who can go on to lead more fulfilled lives. Implications of Health PromotionFew contradictions to exercise exist, and almost all older persons can benefit from additional physical activity. Three important components of exercise are aerobic exercise, strength training, and balance and flexibility (Nied & Franklin, 2002). Health promotion to the elderly person is a very important topic that can have wonderful outcomes if properly instilled into this population. Consulting their physician before starting an exercise regimen should be encouraged so that exercise can be accomplished safely. Research shows exercise has many important benefits such as improved blood pressure and cholesterol levels, decrease in fall injuries and improved mental status (Nied & Franklin, 2002). Some likely outcomes of promoting health by means of exercise would be a healthier society of elderly individuals that are more independent, mentally stable, and fit for years to come. Through exercise older people will build more strength and stamina to carry out their everyday physical activities more efficiently. Participating in a favorite sport, being able to continue to walk their beloved pet, or mow the lawn will allow this population to lead more active and happy lifestyles. The ability to be physically fit will also allow many of these individuals the possibility to have the physical endurance to stay in their careers longer, or to continue to keep their independence through activities like driving a car. Health promotion by exercise will lead to a self sufficient and confident group of older individuals in society. This group of people will hopefully be able to lead longer, more satisfied lives by means of incorporating a regular exercise routine into their current lifestyle. ConclusionIn conclusion, health promotion is a very important aspect contributing to the physical and mental well being of the elderly population. As research has shown, exercise has many benefits to the elderly, both physically and mentally, that stress the significance of this topic. Since exercise is an important foundation to the overall wellbeing of this population, it is important to find effective ways to promote an active lifestyle to this population. Research has shown that health promotion can occur in a variety of ways, encouraging active healthy lifestyles. There are many assumptions that society makes about this issue that lead to barriers for this group of people to overcome. Barriers to exercise exist in society, and it is nurses’ role to educate this population on ways to overcome these obstacles in order to meet the goal of promoting health to this vulnerable population. Overall, through proper education, it is the hope that exercise can be incorporated into the daily routine of many elderly individuals, in order to achieve the most positive outcomes possible. ReferencesAdministration on Aging. (2011). Aging Statistics. Retrieved from: , M., Moriyasu, A., Kumagai, S., Furuna, T., Akita, S., Kimura, S., & Suzuki, T. (2013). Community-based intervention to improve dietary habits and promote physical activity among older adults: A cluster randomized trial. BioMed Central Geriatrics 13(8). doi: 10.1186/1471-2318-13-8.Nied, R.J. & Franklin, B. (2002). Promoting and prescribing exercise for the elderly. Journal of the American Academy of Family Physicians. Retrieved from , N.J., Murdaugh, C.L., & Parsons, M.A. (2011). Health promotion in nursing practice. (6th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.Tsai, T.H., Wong, A.M., Hsu, C.L., & Tseng, K.C. (2013). Research on a community-based platform for promoting health and physical fitness in the elderly community. Public Library of Science, 8(2). doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0057452. ................
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