As stated previously, the current trend in health care is toward prevention, one of the main policies of Healthy People 2010 written by the Surgeon General. The main goals of this document are to improve the quality and years of life as well to eliminate health disparities. In many senior centers group aerobic and exercise classes are being offered. In gyms there are specific elder classes, as well as free blood pressure screenings in local supermarkets. Nowadays, community members have infinite number of resources available to them to find interventions that prolong healthy living. However, many don’t know how simple it is to find information by asking the right questions to healthcare workers and searching the internet and books.

A daily exercise program stresses the importance of preventing the disease process (loss of strength, range of motion, and balance), thus focusing on primary prevention. Most importantly, it promotes public health which is a combination of sciences, skills, and beliefs directed towards the maintenance and improvement of the health of all people. Four overall goals of a daily exercise program are to:

1. Increase strength, mobility, endurance, and flexibility.
2. Prevent the loss of balance and falls.
3. Improve the quality and years of healthy life.
4. Attempt to eliminate possible health disparities.

Daily exercise should and must be a part of every senior citizen’s weekly routine. The healthcare system will be positively impacted by promoting such a preventative program of community health and wellness. Community members specifically the ever growing geriatric population will benefit from an exercise program. The program will consist of a physical therapists exquisite knowledge of mobility, endurance, flexibility, diet/nutrition, and strength training to help the geriatric community maintain independent living. As physical therapists it is our job to present the knowledge available to create a change in individuals and the community collectively.

Activities should be selected that you enjoy doing that way you will continue each week. Below are examples of various programs that could be followed and exercises that may be performed.

SEE Exercises

BACK to Part One of Article