Doctors sound the alarm: two shots and yet the elderly do not dare to go back to old life | Inland | AD.nl
Specialists are sounding the alarm today because many elderly people are lonely because of corona. They are concerned about the side effects of the isolated existence of the elderly. For example, they see people with early dementia who have deteriorated very rapidly and have to go to a nursing home. Older people who move less, have a poorer balance, fall and break something as a result. In order to reduce the risks of these effects, it is therefore best to focus on group exercise, with a focus on a healthy diet.
Effects of exercise
Elderly people who move in a group almost always enjoy it because of the social contacts and they feel fitter and healthier. In addition, exercise limits the cognitive decline of the elderly, reduces the risk of bone fractures and lowers the risk of respiratory infections. The combination of exercise and sufficient protein in the diet ensures that the elderly are able to significantly increase muscle mass and strength, even at an advanced age.
Attention to muscle strength
Especially during this corona pandemic, many people have been able to see that extreme muscle weakening is one of the serious consequences of an intensive care admission. A day in the ICU can cause someone to lose up to 800 grams of muscle mass, which is almost impossible to regain in an older person. By working preventively on more muscle mass and strength, they have a better basis if they do become ill and are bedridden for a shorter or longer period of time. In addition, it generally keeps them mobile and self-reliant for longer.
Neighborhood sports coach provides a connection between care and sports
The elderly to whom the doctors are referring will not quickly take the step to take action. Care providers such as the general practitioner and the home care worker are especially needed to help them on their way. There are effective programs in which people work on muscle strength and reduce the risk of falling, and plenty of other options for getting older people to exercise in groups. In order to be able to support patients effectively, the municipality can help care by deploying the nationally subsidized neighborhood sports coach. This connects care and sports, so that every elderly person can go to suitable and safe services.
This is an expert quote from Liesbeth Preller, Knowledge Center Sport & Exercise, in the context of ANP Expert Support. Liesbeth Preller, Exercise specialist for the elderly and the chronically ill, Knowledge Center Sport & Exercise
Bron: ANP Expert Support
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