Ageing populations set new requirements for efficient and cost effective ways of taking care of our senior citizens.
Life expectancy in Australia is the second longest after Japan. It is crucial to make sure that our elderly has the strength they need for daily activities as long as possible. Physical activity is seen as a more and more important part of the quality of life of elderly.
It is equally important to have equipments that are specially designed for safe and ease of use. Seniors should have an easy access to the machines and be able to adjust them without getting out of them. Regular exercise with adequate equipments maintains the ability to function,
prevents & treats illnesses and supports mental health. The aim should be that there is a gym in every Australian aged care facility as naturally as there is a library today. The amount of muscular mass decreases about 40 % by the age of 70 and a significant decrease can be seen after 50 years of age. Inactivity causes rapid changes in muscular strength, 3-5% decrease per day in the first week for those patients who are in bedrest. Safe 10-12 weeks senior strength training programs suit very well for example into transitional care package. After the regular exercising period you can expect increased muscle strength for daily activities, benefits for incontinence and mental health. Muscle weakness is the single most important reason for falls and affects a lot to the quality of life for elderly. The good news is that having adequate fitness equipments, seniors can safely train to get the strength they need. Many of the Australian Falls prevention programs still seem to lack an adequate strength training part. Not keeping in mind that cardiovascular exercise does not prevent the loss of muscle tissue. Falls prevention requires High Speed strength exercise that develops fast muscle cells for quick corrective movements. Recent studies show that there is a direct link from measured muscle strength and weight of a senior that correlates to probability of falls. All you need to know about tai chi, including the health benefits, different styles and getting started. Tai chi, also called tai chi chuan, combines deep breathing and relaxation with slow and gentle movements. Originally developed as a martial art in 13th-century China, tai chi is today practised around the world as a health-promoting exercise. While there's scope for more rigorous research on tai chi's health benefits, studies have shown that tai chi can help people aged 65 and over to reduce stress, improve balance and general mobility, and increase muscle strength in the legs. Some research suggests that tai chi can reduce the risk of falls among older adults who are at increased risk. However, more research is needed. There is some evidence that tai chi can improve mobility in the ankle, hip and knee in people with rheumatoid arthritis (RH). However, it is still not known if tai chi can reduce pain in people with RH or improve their quality of life. Is tai chi good for treating osteoporosis? Studies have looked into the potential benefits of tai chi for people with osteoporosis, but there is currently no convincing evidence that tai chi can prevent or treat the condition. No, tai chi is commonly performed as a low-impact exercise, which means it won’t put much pressure on your bones and joints. Most people should be able to do it. Get advice from your GP before starting tai chi if you have any health concerns or an existing health condition. You may need to take certain precautions if you’re pregnant, have a hernia, back pain or severe osteoporosis. No, tai chi is for everyone. It is ideal for inactive older people wanting to raise their activity levels gently and gradually. Also, many of the tai chi movements can be adapted to people with a disability, including wheelchair users. Tai chi is essentially a gentle activity that is unlikely to cause injury if done correctly. The exercises involve lots of flowing, easy movements that don’t stress the joints or muscles. Tips on getting started It’s a good idea to watch a class or attend a free taster session before signing up for a course. If you have a medical condition, any health concerns or haven’t exercised for a long time, speak to your GP before you start tai chi. Yes, such as yang, chen and wu. Some teachers often practise a combination of styles. The main differences between the different tai chi styles are in the speed of movement and the way the body holds the postures. Tai chi is characterised by its slow, graceful, continuous movements that are gentle on the joints and muscles. Done correctly, you'll find that the tai chi poses flow smoothly from one into another. Many movements are completed with bent knees in a squat-like position.