Older Adults (PT) Set

ADLs

goals in PT, such as bathing, cooking, and dressing, that allow individuals to live independently.

Factors increasing numbers of older adults needing PT

trends in healthcare and life expectancy

IADLs

Instrumental activities of daily living, complex activities necessary for community living.

Well Elderly

Individuals aged 65+ without physical limitations or whose age-related changes do not affect function.

Goal of PT with Well Elderly

To acheive good physical function and prevent physical activity limiting conditions

Frail Elderly

People aged 65+ with conditions that significantly impair daily function or require frequent medical intervention.

PTs goal in frail elderly

Offer stratgies to regain mobility/modify environment to maximise function

Adaptive Equipment

Devices that allow an individual to perform a functional task with increased ease or independence.

Assistive Device

Equipment that provides assistance during periods of mobility.

Factors in conducting examination

prognosis, facilitating clinical interventions, setting goals for frail elderly

Weight bearing joints over time

Hips and knees degenerate as articular cartilage is destroyed

Weight bearing joint degeneration leads to

pain, inflammation, and deformities

Central nervous system age related changes

reduction in conduction velocity... affecting nerves transmitting impulses

Seeing system changes with age

Visual acuity cataracts

Cataracts

clouding of eye lens that leads to blindness if untreated

Hypokinesis

Decreased physical activity that can lead to various health issues in older adults.

Sarcopenia

Decreased muscle mass often seen in older adults as a result of aging.

System function changes observed

Decrease in max cardiopulmonary function and work capacity

Presbycusis

The decreased ability to perceive higher pitches and distinguish between similar sounds due to aging.

Dysthymia

disorder of mood

Musculoskeletal system changes

poor posture, change sin gait pattern, decreased strength and flexibility

Muscle mass decreases

Due to decreased nerve fibres resulting from a loss of motor neurons

Bone mass changes

becomes smaller and weaker

Connective tissue changes

stiffer, shorten with less activity

Osteoarthritis

Old age and/or obesity results in cartilage deterioration, affecting hands, spine, knees, and hips

Osteoarthritis flexibility retaining exercises (+ for overweight)

Aquatic exercise, weight loss, and joint protection

Rheumatoid Arthritis

An autoimmune disease causing chronic inflammation of the joints, often leading to pain, stiffness, and redness.

Rheumatoid Arthritis common care

Heat modalities for pain relief and total joint replacement of hip and knees

Osteoporosis

A condition defined by decreased mineralization of bones, resulting from decreased production of new bone cells

Risks with osteoporosis

fractures affecting wrist and hip

PTs main goal in osteoporosis

prevention

Hip Fracture

A significant public health problem in older adults that decreases life expectancy 2 years and requires rehabilitation.

Hip Fracture treatment in PT

transfer skills, ambulation, use of assitive devices

Ambulation

ability to walk without assistance

Diabetes Mellitus

A chronic disorder affecting insulin action and glucose transport, leading to various complications.

Common complications of diabetes Mellitus (5)

renal failure, neurological lesions, neuropathic skin ulcerations, atherosclerotic vascular disease, and retinopathies

Examination and Evaluation

The process of assessing an older adult's skills and capabilities for maximum independence.

Cognitive Function

The mental process of understanding, which may decline with normal aging.

Balance Assessment

Evaluation of static and dynamic balance, crucial for older adults to prevent falls.

Static Tests

Romperg, Functional Reach

Dynamic Tests

Gait and Functional mobility, several tests are available

LTC

Longterm Care Facility

Evaluation process requires

Using clinical judgement, likely benefit, potential referral

Functional Training

Therapy aimed at teaching the older adult how to perform daily activities safely and independently.

Therapeutic Exercise

Planned physical activity designed to improve strength, flexibility, and endurance.

Physical Agents

Modalities used in rehabilitation to relieve pain, enhance tissue healing, or improve function.

Manual Therapies

Hands-on techniques used by therapists to manipulate or mobilize soft tissues and joints.

Procedural Interventions

therapeutic exercise, functional training, physical agents, mechanical modalities, manual therapies

Environmental Modification

Changes made to a person’s living space to enhance safety and accessibility for older adults.

Psychosocial Information

Data about an older adult's social support, emotional health, and adjustment to disability.

Neurological Examination

Assessment to determine cognitive function and its impact on quality of life.

Assessing Pain

Important evaluation of whether pain is acute or chronic and its effects on function.

Functional Goals

Meaningful objectives set in physical therapy aimed at improving daily performance.

Patient Motivation

An individual's willingness to participate in rehabilitation, influenced by their psychological state.

LTC

Long Term Care Facility A residence providing support for older adults who need assistance with daily living.

Cardiopulmonary Function

The ability of the cardiovascular and respiratory systems to supply sufficient oxygen.

Gait Analysis

Assessment of walking patterns to identify abnormalities that may affect balance and mobility.

Functional Reach Test

A test that predicts the likelihood of falling by measuring reach distance while standing.

Sedentary Lifestyle

A lifestyle characterized by little physical activity, common among older adults.