Some helpful tips from the physio at home service providers at Talk Health Therapy. We provide physio for seniors through MyAgedCare and the Commonwealth Home Support Program.
Staying physically active is important for maintaining overall health and quality of life, and this increases as we age.
Regular exercise can help older adults remain independent, manage chronic conditions and improve physical and mental well-being.
Here’s why exercise should always be part of an older person’s routine, which exercises are considered safest and how physio for seniors can support an individual’s exercise journey:
The importance of exercise for older adults
The Lancet published an article in 2021 about the role of physical exercise as a therapeutic strategy for disease prevention and the associated decline in overall functional capacity.
It clarified that being physically active and having a healthy diet are integral to the maintenance of good health, and that physical activity interventions are more promising than pharmacological interventions that target single systems for managing the frailty associated with ageing.
For seniors, staying active helps maintain muscle strength and bone density, which are crucial for reducing the risk of falls and fractures. Physical activity also improves flexibility, balance, and coordination—key factors for maintaining independence in later life.
Regular exercise also enhances cognitive function and mental wellbeing. According to Dementia Australia, people who are physically active throughout their lives, particularly from age 65 on, are less likely to develop dementia. The organisation explains that exercise helps keep your brain healthy and improves your memory and thinking by:
Best exercises for seniors
*Disclaimer – this is not a comprehensive list and any exercises should be made in discussion with your primary health practitioner or allied health professional.
Exercise doesn’t have to be strenuous to be effective. For older adults, low-impact activities provide an appropriate alternative that provides great health benefits without putting unnecessary strain on joints or muscles.
Recommended exercises for seniors include:
Health.gov.au recommends seniors do 30 minutes of moderate aerobic exercise, five days a week.
Strength training should be incorporated at least twice a week to help maintain muscle mass, improve bone density and boost general wellbeing. Using light weights or resistance bands under guidance can help maintain muscle mass and improve bone density.
Tip: If you’re new to exercise or returning after a break, start slowly and gradually increase the intensity. It’s always wise to consult a physiotherapist before beginning a new exercise program, especially if you have existing health conditions.
The role of a physio at home for seniors
While staying active is essential, some older adults face challenges due to injury, chronic pain or reduced mobility. This is where physio for seniors becomes invaluable.
A physio at home can create a personalised exercise plan tailored to your needs, helping you achieve your fitness goals safely. They can also support recovery from injuries and surgeries such as hip replacements, and work with seniors to improve balance and coordination, reducing the risk of falls.
When travel is difficult, a physio at home can provide the answer, giving seniors a visit from a trained specialist without the need to leave the house or arrange transport.
Accessing physio at home for seniors through the Commonwealth Home Support Program
The Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) is an Australian Government initiative designed to assist older adults to live independently and maintain well-being.
This program provides support for allied health services, including physiotherapy, to help seniors stay active, manage chronic conditions and recover from injuries.
Talk Health Therapy offers physio at home services in Brisbane through the CHSP and MyAgedCare. If you have the MyAgedCare referral number, you can use the Find A Provider tool to see if we are the right fit for you.
Otherwise, contact our team on (07) 2111 6983 or email us on [email protected]
The locations we cover include:
If you would like to book an appointment for a physio at home, contact our team today.
