Barrier Free Architecturals
February 20, 2012

Move On Program Seeks to Get Older People out of Bedrest

Hospital Bed. Image Credit: BrokenSphere via Wikipedia.

Older people and senior citizens who stay in bedrest can be a critical point of their lives. By staying in their beds after being cured of whatever caused their hospitalization, they not only lose their strength but also their mobility. For many older people, by the time they are allowed to go out of the hospital, bigger problems have set in and independent living has become much more difficult. Ultimately, this results in a sharp decline of their mobility and endless days of lying in bed.

While many believe that bedrest is a good form of recovery, for older people, it is actually anything but helpful. Older people who were independent and mobile before their hospitalization end up needing assistance even after they are cured of their ailment. This is an alarming situation that gave life to an initiative called Move On—Mobilization of Vulnerable Elders in Ontario.

Move On, a movement that started in St. Michael’s Hospital, Toronto, helps older people prevent mobility erosion especially in a critical phase of their lives. It ensures that hospital staff do not lose sight of the necessity to urge older people to move out of their bed and get back to independent living as soon as their physical states allow them to.

Started by Dr. Lou and Dr. Straus, staying in bedrest for long can result in older people losing their mobility and even their ability to walk, thereby extending their stay in the hospital and necessitating admission in a rehab facility. Funded by the Council of Academic Hospitals of Ontario, the program has been launched in other hospitals in Ontario as well.

Older people lose from one to five percent of their total muscle strength when hospitalised. Also, a third of hospital older adults lose their capacity to perform one activity they used to be able to do. By the time they are discharged, half of them are unable to relearn the same function.

Move On, composed of therapists, doctors, and nurses, volunteers, and family members, is to make sure that older adults get out of their bed and regain their mobility. The short-term goal is to ensure that they move at least thrice a day. Even simple movements like getting in and out of the shower with the use of Barrier Free Architectural products helps to increase overall mobility.

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February 16, 2012

Three Categories of People Who Could Use Some Exercise

Depressed women. Image Source: Public domain.

It is no big secret that exercise is the key to physical health and mobility. However, there are still people who do not think they could benefit at all from exercise. These are people who cannot be bothered to stay fit and healthy because of whatever their personal circumstances, whether they are older adults, have sustained injuries or are depressed. Contrary to what they believe, exercise will actually do them a huge favor.

Older people in their Seventies

By the time most older people reach their seventies, they do not bother to get out of their chair and fail to see the point of exercise. Why should anyone exercise at seventy when there is no work to be done for the rest of the day? After all, they may think it is just time to sit and relax! Yet, actually, the importance of exercise cannot be any clearer when it comes to older people. At this point, older people need to take active steps in order to maintain their physical health. This could be as simple as using accessibility tools to increase their mobility around the house.

Those Who Have Experienced Falls and Infections

Because of their accident, they tend to go on an indefinite period of rest. This can become dangerous though, especially if it starts to become an excuse for lack of or failure to exercise. A lot of older people tend to give this excuse and feel weak after being treated for injuries. However, this general feeling of weakness will persist unless active steps you finally start exercising.

Those Who are Depressed and Socially Isolated

Wallowing in depression will not improve one’s condition. If anything, it will only make matters worse and result in the deterioration of one’s mobility. Extremely common especially among older people, depression can lead to a decline not only of one’s mental but also physical health. Ultimately, this will lead to the impairment and loss of muscle and an increased exposure to falls. Exercise may very well be a viable solution for depression.

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February 9, 2012

Boosting Brain Health and Mobility

Biking is a low impact form of exercise. Image Source: Public domain.

There are many ways to improve mobility, and while Barrier Free Architecturals is committed to improving the quality of life for seniors with mobility issues.

Boosting your brain health is just as important as maintaining your physical wellness. Both go a long way towards preventing illnesses and maintaining mobility among older adults.

Here are some tips that will help improve brain health and increase mobility.

1. Exercise

Believe it or not, exercise has a lot to do in keeping your brain young. As a matter of fact, study shows that exercise can reduce the risk of having dementia by 30 to 40%!  Older adults who are physically active also have lesser chances of Alzheimer’s disease.  This is possible because working out helps in reversing the natural shrinking of the hippocampus in the brain, which is responsible for memory functions.

This is why older adults should not think twice about sweating it up at least 150 minutes a week. Even 15 minutes of exercise thrice a week is enough to maintain the brain.

2. Resistance training

According to a study conducted by specialists at University of British Colombia, resistance training increases the levels of certain growth chemicals in the brain, thereby nourishing the nerve cells for stronger mental health. Of course, there are possible dangers for older adults attempting resistance training, so a visit with your physician is in order before taking on such an activity.

3. Try out new skills

It is important to challenge the brain with new activities that are not part of a regular routine. A group of UCLA researchers found that older adults who have little experience with the Internet experienced a surge in decision-making and reasoning after a week of trying out the Internet. In other words, engaging in mental activities one has not tried before strengthens mental health.

4. Improve your social life

Having a healthy social life also protects against dementia and improves one’s mental and emotional health. A study in the University of Michigan showed that the short-term memory of participants improved after a 10-minute conversation with another person.

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January 31, 2012

Swimming Promotes Mobility Among Older Adults

Swimming Pool. Image Credit: Nick Cooper via Wikipedia.

For many older adults who find walking and jogging dragging and repetitive, there is another exercise that can improve health and mobility—swimming. A recent study published in the American Journal of Cardiology shows that swimming is good for curbing older adults’ blood pressure and improving blood vessel function.

In the study, older men and women who older than 60 years started out with a stylistic blood pressure of 130 mm of mercury (131 mm Hg). After being made to swim a few times a week, their blood pressure lowered to 122 mm Hg in just three months.

The normal blood pressure is a reading of an average of 120/80 mm Hg. A reading of beyond 140/90 is verging on high blood pressure, and lower than that is considered hypertension.

Although swimming has always been packaged as a viable exercise for older adults, there has not been any comprehensive study on its health benefits until recently. One of its senior researchers, Professor Hirofumi Tanaka is the first to concretely demonstrate the concrete impact of regular swimming as a form of exercise for older adults.

The study was conducted among 43 older adults who were considered to have high blood pressure or hypertension. They were divided into groups, and eventually had to go swimming over a course of 12 weeks for 3 to 4 times a week. The swimming time was set at a max limit of 45 minutes.

Aside from being more leisurely than jogging and walking, swimming is also an excellent alternative because it will not cause overheating—which is increasingly becoming a problem for older adults who exercise. Also, it’s easy on the knee and ankle joints and can easily be performed. This is because swimming does not bear on the weight.

The inexpensive and accessible nature of swimming also means that older adults only need to spend much in order to stay fit and healthy. While accessible architectural products may help older adults become more mobile, just a little bit of exercise a day can gradually increase mobility as well.

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January 23, 2012

Interactive Exercises Improve both Physical and Cognitive Functions

Screenshot of Nintendo Wii's Cyberbike Game. Image Credit: Pinyo Tutorial.

There is a new way to combine physical and mental exercise—two important factors to prevent accidents and increase mobility in older adults. The key to better mobility is in digital gaming that integrates physical exercise—also called “exergames.” These are interactive video games that allow older adults to maximize their body functions in digital environments, to their physical and cognitive benefit.

The study, conducted over two years, aims to identify the relationship between exergames and their improvement on the health of adults 50 years or older. And the result? According to Dr. Anderson-Haley of the Health Aging and Neuropsychology Lab at the Union College in Schenectady, NY, the research shows that virtual gaming exercises, such as cybercycling, not only enhances physical wellness but also protects the cognitive function.

Exergames allow older adults to divert their attention in the 3D sceneries presented. Without aversive environmental factors present, older adults get to focus on the game and, ultimately, improve their well-being.

Unfortunatley, only 14% of adults between 65 to 74 years old ever get to do exergames. For those over 75 years old, only 7% engage in regular exergames.

The study was conducted among 101 older adults from 58 to 99 years old. They were made to ride stationary bikes with a virtual reality display in the backdrop, a 3-d tour, and a virtual race against a “ghost rider”. The participants then rode on the bike thrice a week.  Another group was made to ride a stationary bike without the virtual environment.

The researchers found that regular exercises in the cybercycle produced positive results in executive functions, such as planning, memory work, and problem solving—all after just a month in the cybercycles. Despite the fact that there was no difference in the two groups, the group which had a virtual gaming experience showed substantial cognitive benefit.

The inevitable conclusion, according to the study, is that older adults who choose interactive exergames will have the benefit of traditional exercise, plus better cognitive performance.

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January 17, 2012

Top Fitness Tips for Older Adults

Exercising with dumbbells. Image Credit: Clip Art.

Fitness for adults ranks no. 3 in the Worldwide Survey of Fitness Trends for 2012. This just goes to show that seniors and older adults are finally ready to take their health seriously. Here are a few important fitness tips that can help older adults transitioning into a new lifestyle.

  1. Get a check-up. This is absolutely important for older adults 50 years and up. A physician will assess your current state and make sure the heart and lungs are fit for exercise.
  2. Focus on being consistent. A common trend among people who start exercising is to double their efforts at the start, only to stop exercising altogether a few weeks after. It would be much better for you to start slow and build your pace up.
  3. Don’t let the past determine your future. Older adults should not let their inabilities and deficiencies in the past stop them from their fitness goals.
  4. Stop if there’s pain. The popular saying “no pain, no gain” does not hold true for older adults. If exercising becomes too painful, then stopping is the only choice.
  5. Look for a personal trainer. Older adults should look for someone who is willing to focus on their needs and is competent. Asking for a referral is a sure way to get one.
  6. Don’t try to measure up. This isn’t exactly the best time to be competitive against a jogging or gym buddy who’s way ahead of you in terms of fitness and skill. Doing so will only endanger your own health.
  7. Those who are early-to-rise better warm up. Study shows that those who exercise in the morning tend to have a higher injury rate. To avoid such, older adults should warm-up before exercising in the morning.
  8. Try a variety of exercises. Older adults can explore a multitude of exercises—from biking to simply taking a quiet walk on the park. The limits are boundless!
  9. Slowly increase your fitness and confidence skills. Repetition and practice using innovative accessible products such as grab bars can increase mobility and core muscle skills of older adults.
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January 9, 2012

Exercise Tips for Older Adults

Jimmy Carter jogging. Image Source: Public domain via Wikipedia.

It’s a new year and a time for resolutions. More than anything, isn’t it also a time to be thankful for the gift of full life? Among older adults, keeping a healthy mind and body should be a top priority. Exercise is one concrete way of achieving such goal.

With regular exercise, not only will one be able to keep a healthy, sound and mobile body, but also keep a life free from disabilities.  Exercise is also good for older adults because it helps in regularizing one’s sleep patterns. Also, positive brain activity is encouraged by exercise—preventing illnesses like Alzheimer’s and high blood pressure.

If one of your life goals is to finally start exercising regularly, or if you’re already doing just that, here are some often forgotten tips you should keep in mind:

  1. You should consult your physician to know if you are in good enough shape to take on regular exercise.
  2. If you have mobility issues, look for a specialist or supervisor that can help you come up with a plan on getting healthy and fit with exercise. Your mobility issues should not stop you from your commitment to exercise regularly.
  3. Exercising is better when you have a companion. Look for a fellow retiree who will keep you motivated and make sure you both don’t get thrown off schedule.
  4. Come up with a plan of when to exercise regularly: three times a week is a good goal, but you can easily go beyond this if you’re feeling especially motivated.
  5. Drink enough water while exercising. You should not dehydrate yourself as you exercise.
  6. Having a healthy diet plan is complementary to an exercise plan. Also consult a dietician or health professional to discuss your fitness needs.
  7. Be motivated and be active. Even the lesser mobile can make massive gains in physical activity and strength just by practice and repetition.
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January 6, 2012

Study Shows Obesity Linked with Risk of Falling

Apple on scale. Image Source: Public domain.

For the longest time, older adults thought thin and frail are more likely to suffer falls and fractures. A new US study, however, indicates that obesity may be a problem for overweight and obese older adults.

In a study recently published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, the researchers explained that obese older adults have a much harder time finding balance. Further, when older adults suffer a fall, they are not as quickly able to recover from it.

The study considered 10,755 people who are 65 years old and above. Among the participants, those who are obese are 12% to 50% more prone to falls over 2 years compared to other older adults who have normal weight.

Also, the likelihood of suffering falls increases as the level of obesity increases. Those who have a BMI, or body mass index, of 40 or above (around 100lbs) for men and 36 (around 80lbs) for women have a 50% chance of suffering from falls. The body mass index is the proportion of one’s weight to height.

The study was a result of an 8-year research among older adults who were surveyed every two years. The participants reported a total of 9.621 falls throughout the entire period, 3,100 of which required medical attention. 23% of all these falls were experienced by obese older adults.

Of course, there are other factors that are linked to risk of falls, including diabetes, arthritis, and muscle pain. However, obesity is easily the leading cause of falls.

This study is definitely relevant for older adults who strive for more mobility in life. If you’re conscious not only about living healthy but having as much mobility as possible, then you should take concrete steps to achieving a fit and  balanced weight. After all, it’s one certain way of preventing falls and protecting yourself from untoward incidents.

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November 28, 2011

Age-Friendly Cities

Pillars of Age Friendly Cities. Image Credit: World Health Organisation.

As more older adults and people with disabilities meet accidents on the sidewalks, curbs, and roads each year, city planners across Canada have finally teamed up with health researchers in a symposium that could finally turn things for the better. The symposium addressed how the physical and social environment affects mobility. Among the attendees were civic planners, elected officials, senior citizens, civic planners, and experts from varying disciplines (ranging from the social sciences to physiotherapy).

The city planners won’t have to start from scratch. After all, the World Health Organization has already devised the Age-Friendly Cities project—a large-scale development project that provides perspectives and suggestions that aim to improve healthy aging in communities. Another guide has been created by the Public Health Agency of Canada. The guide contains a checklist and several pieces of advice of healthy-aging essentials for buildings, housing, transportation, and mobility.

A research team is already planning to conduct a telephone survey to provide information on the current states of age-friendly structures in Canada. Hopefully, the impressions and data gathered from the 350 households to be surveyed will jumpstart the goal of providing better structures for older adults and people with disabilities.

The first important step is to improve the sidewalks. After all, sidewalks that are smooth, crack-free, and clear of dried leaves and snow will ensure that older adults can walk freely without the danger of falls. People in wheelchairs can also benefit from sidewalks that are smooth and stable.

The quality of lighting and curb ramps is another thing that city planners should look into. Benches should also be strategically placed between intervals in the sidewalks. Older adults will have an easier time finding a way to rest during their walks.

Finding user-friendly washrooms in public places, and providing maximum security are also two essential features that will definitely make cities across Canada better to live in.

By finally making changes in these aspects and more, living in Canada will definitely be better for older adults and people with disabilities.

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October 20, 2011

3 Causes of Falls You Should Watch Out For

Caution on stairs. Image Source: Stairssafety.com.au

We’ve talked about how senior citizens are more prone to experiencing falls that can lead to mobility issues and debilitating injury. Although regular checkups, balance training sessions and a balanced diet are essential to preventing such falls from occurring, falls may nonetheless occur in spite of such precautions.

In fact, there are three major causes of falls that many people often take for granted. Because of the failure to take note of these causes, many preventable accidents have already taken place.

Cause #1: Shoes

Before leaving the house, checking to make sure that the shoe laces are tried properly is important. The sole of the shoes is another important concern: they must be of rough material, so as to have better traction while walking. Adding traction strips to the soles can easily be done by a shoe repairman, in order to make the shoes safe for walking.

Cause #2: Pets

Pets are certainly man’s best friend, but not if they can cause accidents to the elderly. Pet dogs and cats can get in the walking path of the elderly, causing the latter to trip over. Also, since pets of the elderly are usually quite old themselves, they may be a bit sluggish and slow, which means that the elderly will have to adjust to their pace and increase the likelihood of falls.

Making sure that the pets are kept under careful watch is a good way of preventing falls from happening. Another solution is to place the pets at a certain distance from older adults whenever they cannot be properly watched for.

Cause #3: Drugs and Medications

Taking drugs and sedatives often causes balance problems that can lead to an increased risk of falls. Depressants, sedatives, and benzodiazepines are usually factors that can lead to disorientation. Taking drugs simultaneously is another risk factor for falls.

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