Seniors, Covid-19, and the Danger of Deconditioning
Over the last 9 months, our community and our country have grappled with the Covid-19 pandemic, seeking to control the spread of the virus and protect those most vulnerable to it. In the early days of the pandemic, stay-at-home orders, social distancing, and lockdowns were implemented. These measures not only limited people’s access to exercise facilities and freedom of movement, but also halted normal healthcare delivery, including postponement of elective interventions and surgeries. This has contributed to greater frailty and decreased physical fitness in the population, particularly among the elderly.
Seniors, who are an especially vulnerable group to the virus, were significantly impacted by these restrictions on movement, social contact, and healthcare delivery. This caused seniors to sit more and move less, leading to deconditioning and potential negative impacts on their physical health.
Dangers of Deconditioning
Deconditioning is a possible effect of the isolation-driven inactivity of seniors during the pandemic. Months of inactivity in the elderly leads to reduced physical function, loss of cognitive and emotional wellbeing, increased risk of dementia, and reduced quality of life. Studies have shown that a sedentary lifestyle contributes to a slowed metabolism and subsequent gaining of weight, which impairs regulation of blood sugar and blood pressure. A sedentary lifestyle also decreases physical fitness, flexibility, mobility, and balance.
Impaired physical function in seniors is a modifiable risk factor for hospitalization. Seniors that have become deconditioned are more vulnerable to falls, fractures, and further disability. Addressing deconditioning in the senior population is critical not only for their improved health and quality of life, but also to prevent avoidable hospitalization of seniors during this time. One safe and effective way to address deconditioning among seniors is through customized physical therapy care.
Physical Therapy’s Role in Conditioning for Seniors during the Covid-19 Pandemic
Physical therapy can address and intervene to re-condition and improve function in seniors gradually and safely, reducing the need for hospitalization or the risk of falling in the future. Physical therapists complete a thorough assessment and a musculoskeletal and neuromuscular examination on the senior. Based on the evaluation, the physical therapist designs an exercise conditioning program specific to the senior’s ability, needs, and goals such that the senior will progressively improve their overall fitness, balance, function, and mobility.
Staying conditioned and engaging in regular physical activity has numerous benefits. Regular exercise improves cardiovascular health and function of the lymphatic and digestive systems and reduces development of chronic diseases. It promotes stronger bones, muscles, and joints and reduces the risk of falling and injury after a fall. Physical activity boosts mood, brain health, and ability to perform daily activities. Regular exercise also provides immunological benefits, enhancing the body’s immune cell surveillance and circulation.
Rehabilitation for seniors stabilizes the physical effects of deconditioning, achieves and maintains physical function and mobility, and improves overall quality of life. At Mangiarelli Rehabilitation, we ensure seniors can access physical therapy care and exercise in a safe, sanitized, and socially distant environment.
While the pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on our society, it does not have to have a negative impact on your health. Take control of your health and physical fitness with the help of our physical therapists, who are movement experts qualified to address deconditioning and improve and enhance your overall function.
