Mature Movement and Older Adults - Week 12

Static balance: definition

Constant base of support while the center of gravity moves

Dynamic balance: definition

Maintenance of body position when both the base of support and center of gravity move

Postural sway: definition

Almost imperceptible back-and-forth motion in an upright position

Dual tasking: definition

Performing a motor activity (usually walking) while simultaneously performing a cognitive task

Dual tasking: effect on gait velocity

Gait velocity is slower (regardless of age)

Dual tasking: effect on stride-to-stride variability

Increases (regardless of age)

Dual tasking: how do older adults differ?

Larger differences in gait speed and stride-to-stride variability

Dual tasking: why do older adults show larger differences?

The cognitive task has a greater "cost"

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): definition

Self-care activities fundamental for function

Activities of Daily Living (ADLs): examples

Eating, getting in/out of bed, dressing, bathing

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs): definition

Activities less fundamental to function but necessary for independent living

Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADLs): examples

Cooking, shopping, handling personal finances

Older adults: risk if unable to perform ADLs

May lose the ability to care for themselves, leading to a loss of independence

Functionality: factors that increase risk of loss of function

↑ Sedentary behaviour; ↑ body mass index; ↑ pain

Functionality: factors that decrease function

↓ Cognitive function; ↓ vision and hearing

Physical activity and ADLs: interventions with best effects

Co-ordination and balance; mentally stimulating; social interaction

Balance in older age: trend

Balance performance declines with age

Balance in older age: how do older adults compensate?

↑ Muscle activity and hip movements to control the center of balance within the base of support

Balance in older age: causes (physical)

↓ Strength and power

Balance in older age: causes (impairments)

↑ Impairments to proprioception, cognitive function, vision and the vestibular system

Walking: gait changes in early to mid adulthood

Subtle

Walking: gait changes in older age

Negative changes are more noticeable

Gait in older age: posture and hip

Stooping posture; reduced hip extension during support phase

Gait in older age: stance and steps

Wider stance during double support phase; variable step length and rate

Gait in older age: interventions that improve it

Strength, balance and endurance (aspects of each)

Disability in older Australians: data source

2018 Survey of Disability, Ageing and Carers

Disability: definition

Any limitation, restriction or impairment that restricts everyday activities and has lasted, or is likely to last, at least six months

Disability severity: profound limitation

Greatest need for help; always needs help with at least one core activity

Disability severity: severe limitation

Needs help sometimes or has difficulty with a core activity

Older Australians: assistance needed in 2018

38.0% (1.5 million people) needed assistance with everyday activities

Older Australians: most common activities requiring assistance

Health care, property maintenance and household chores