Chiropractic Care For Seniors

Canadian Chiropractic Association

The musculoskeletal (MSK) system plays an important role in maintaining health and independence¹ as we age. More so, to manage chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease requires a healthy MSK system to stay active and mobile. Yet, we know that the prevalence of MSK conditions tend to increase with age. For example, 25% of people over the age of 60 report significant disability and pain due to osteoarthritis.

 

Did you know?²

• 30% of Canadians over the age of 75 years old report suffering from either mild, moderate and severe pain
• 80% of seniors suffer from chronic pain
• Over 25% of Canadian seniors report activity or daily living limitation due to MSK pain

 

MSK conditions can seriously affect your health, quality of life and independence. Every year, hundreds of thousands of Canadians suffer from fall-related injuries³. We know that the risk of morbidity and even mortality can increase significantly after a fall, so preventing them is critical.

 

Chiropractors, as part of your healthcare team, can help address MSK injuries early to help maintain mobility and function. Healthy aging relies on your ability to keep moving and enjoying activities of daily living with little pain or limitations. Care may help:

 

• Manage pain
• Increase range of motion
• Improve function
• Help decrease progression of joint degeneration
• Correct posture
• Increase balance
• Reduce the risk of falls

 

Of course, taking care of your MSK health should start early and continue well into your golden years. It is well known that active living is an important part of healthy aging. In fact, even a moderate level of physical activity can improve balance, endurance and bone strength.

 

Find additional resources we’ve created to help take care of your MSK health below:

• Eating Right for Your MSK Health
• Get a Good Night’s Sleep
• Falls Prevention

 

For more information, check out some of our blog posts, or talk to your chiropractor!

References

1Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, “Chiropractic Care and the Geriatric Patient,” http://www.chiropractic.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/geriatricspaper.pdf.

2Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College, “Chiropractic Care and the Geriatric Patient,” http://www.chiropractic.ca/wp-content/uploads/2014/09/geriatricspaper.pdf.

3 Public Health Agency of Canada. 2014. Seniors Falls in Canada: Second Report. retrieved from http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/publications/public/injury-blessure/seniors_falls-chutes_aines/index-eng.php#s2-1-2

Recreational Activities for Seniors

Canadian Chiropractic Association

It is important to manage your health at any age, but it is even more so when you age to keep an active lifestyle. Mobility, for example, typically declines with age which can lead to important loss of function and independence. Yet, we often take it for granted until it is too late. Regardless of the type of activity you enjoy, staying active as you age is critical to not only maintaining health but also your quality of life and independence.

 

In fact, it is never too late to start introducing new activities in your life. Even if mobility is currently a challenge, there are numerous ways to work around current limitations and introduce physical activity into your daily routine.

 

Here are some tips to consider:

 

The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends that older adults continue to be active. Here are some of the key recommendations made by the WHO¹:

1. Older adults should do at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, or at least 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity throughout the week, or an equivalent combination of moderate- and vigorous-intensity activity.

    
2. Aerobic activity should be performed in bouts of at least a 10 minute duration.

    
3. For additional health benefits, older adults should increase their moderate-intensity aerobic physical activity to 300 minutes per week.

    
4. Older adults, with poor mobility, should perform physical activity to enhance balance and prevent falls on 3 or more days per week.

    
5. Muscle-strengthening activities, involving major muscle groups, should be done on 2 or more days per week.

    
6. When older adults cannot do the recommended amounts of physical activity due to existing health condition(s), they should be as physically active as their abilities and conditions allow. Progressively introducing even small amounts of activity can have important and meaningful impacts.

For those who enjoy group activities, consider group classes that are specifically tailored for seniors.

Commonly, these are organized and instructed by trained professionals who have an interest and knowledge in supporting healthy aging. In fact, a chiropractor can also recommend specific movements and activity to help improve your mobility and enhance the health of your MSK system.

 

If you would rather exercise alone and on your own schedule, you may consider the following:

 

• Biking indoors or outdoors (weather dependent)
• Swimming
• Cardiovascular training like walking or wheeling, or even following a low-impact fitness video at home

 

Whether you are a senior or you simply want to enhance your mobility, it’s important to keep moving and introduce consistent physical activity into your routine. Consult with a healthcare professional before engaging in new physical activity.

 

1. The World Health Organization, “Global Strategy on Diet, Physical Activity and Health: Physical Activity for Older Adults,” http://www.who.int/dietphysicalactivity/factsheet_olderadults/en/.

Don't Let A Fall Bring You Down

Ontario Chiropractic Association (OCA)

 

A senior who’s suffered an injury from a fall knows the dramatic impact it can have not just physically, but psychologically. Falls can swiftly take away the sense of independence and confidence that allows a senior to fully enjoy their life.

 

Unfortunately, falls are all too common in our aging population, 1 in every 3 Canadians over the age of 65 will experience a fall, with hips, wrists and pelvic fractures being the most common injuries.

 

However there are some easy tips and techniques anyone can use that help reduce the risk of injury as a result of a fall.

 

Reduce clutter in the home

Maybe it’s time for some fall cleaning. Getting rid of loose articles such as rugs prevents you from slipping or tripping in your home. Reducing clutter can make for a much safer environment.

 

Ensure easy transfers in and out of the bath

The combination of water and tile can be drastic. Installing grab bars in your bathroom to help with getting in and out of the tub is an affordable adjustment that can minimize your chances of slipping and falling on a wet floor.

 

Wear supportive footwear

Many of us wear slippers around the house, especially during the colder months. Making sure your slippers have traction and are non-slip can safeguard you from falling in your home.

 

Have your eyesight and hearing checked every year

Having your vision and hearing checked regularly is vital. If hearing or vision is impaired, you can miss important cues that help maintain your balance, resulting in a fall.

 

Exercise regularly

Although it can be a daunting task, exercising to improve strength and coordination helps to prevent your chances of losing balance and falling.

 

Have your medications evaluated

It is possible for a patient to receive several prescriptions from multiple doctors. By evaluating the medication you are on, you can decrease the chances of side effects and keep your sensory functions that help you stay balanced and upright intact.

 

Have your strength and balance tested

A person with low mobility levels and poor balance is at a higher risk of falling. Being mobile and continuing to improve balance is vital to helping prevent falls and injuries.

 

By following these falls prevention tips, you can reduce your chances of experiencing a fall that may lead to additional injuries down the road. Visit a doctor of chiropractic or other qualified health professional to test your steadiness, balance and strength and give you additional information on falls prevention.