Exercise Physiology in Aged Care
Australia may have an ageing population, but that doesn’t mean they are any less capable of enjoying movement!
Engaging in an active and healthy lifestyle is crucial for longevity and good health as we age, including helping to prevent or manage complex conditions, retain working memory, strengthen social relationships, and reduce the risk of falls. Despite its clear benefits, only 17.2% of Australians aged 65 and over are meeting their daily activity guidelines. Extensive effort has been made by the Australian Government and other official bodies to promote active ageing and reduce the strain on the aged care support sector.
Exercise and Sports Science Australia has advocated for the physical and mental wellbeing of senior Australians and have promoted the role of Accredited Exercise Physiologists (AEPs) in helping older people maintain their health and fitness (1).
How Can Exercise Help Older People?
There are so many benefits to remaining physically active as we age. Exercise promotes blood flow to all our body’s organs, including muscles, bones and brain. This is tremendously important for maintaining our muscle mass and bone mineral density, and for retaining our cognitive health.
Appropriate load bearing exercise has been proven to
Reduce musculoskeletal pain caused by inactivity or muscle wasting
Prevent and manage osteoporosis
Prevent age-related muscle loss
Reduce pain from osteoarthritis and other forms of arthritis
Reduce the risk of falls
This is because exercise helps to lubricate our joints, stretch and contract our muscles, and increase blood flow to our bones to provide essential nutrients needed for remodeling. With this improved strength and confidence, we are less likely to have a debilitating fall that may cause disability or bedrest.
Preserving our heart health as we age is also essential. Gentle forms of heart strengthening exercises, such as brisk walking, swimming, cycling, and aqua aerobics, allow older people to enjoy the benefits of cardiovascular exercise safely.
Exercise and the Future of Aged Care
The Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety Final Report of 2021 recognised that only 2% of Home Care Package funding for aged care support was spent on allied health services, including exercise physiology (2). Furthermore, it recognised the lack of access to suitable exercise facilities and services for those with high support needs. The report highlights how exercise physiology is urgently needed to ensure older citizens remain happy, healthy and more independent.
From this report, we hope there are pushes to involve allied health professionals more in the Aged Care space. At Integral Performance, we are dedicated to helping older citizens improve their health-related quality of life and addressing any concerns they may have for independence.
If you are interested in how we can help yourself or a loved one in improving their health and wellbeing, please do not hesitate to contact the clinic via email at enquiries@integralperformance.com.au. Alternatively, you can use our Contact Us page here.
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References:
(1) Exercise & Sports Science Australia. Exercise Physiology for Aged Care. Exercise & Sports Science Australia. June 1, 2023. Accessed January 14, 2025. https://www.essa.org.au/Web/Web/Resources/Articles/2021/exercsie-physiology-for-aged-care.aspx
(2) Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety Commissioners. A Summary of the Final Report. Royal Commissions. March 1, 2021. Accessed January 15, 2025. https://www.royalcommission.gov.au/system/files/2021-03/final-report-executive-summary.pdf
