Growing older doesn’t necessarily mean a poor quality of life. Yes, you may be slowing down, hurting a little more, or have some memory issues, but there is nothing that says this is inevitable or nothing can be done. In fact, just the opposite is true. Every day the science is showing that individuals can take proactive measures to improve activities of daily living for a healthy and happy life. Exercise, eating well, sleeping, stress management, and brain health all have an impact on how we age. We may not have total control over this, but our actions can have a positive effect and specific training can improve physical and cognitive health.
Why Functional Aging?
Children who visit the pediatrician yearly are tested for various benchmarks to determine their growth trajectory. Parents and the health care provider are able to discuss if any interventions need to be taken. For adults, yearly bloodwork and cancer screenings alert doctors to potential issues. But as we age, the same concern is generally not given to boomers and seniors to ensure their daily functioning both physically and cognitively is addressed. FUNCTIONING is the keyword here because if we are not functioning at our best, our quality of life decreases and that is never fun.
How Physical and Occupational Therapy Can Help
With expertise in senior rehabilitation, especially balance and gait issues, combined with new evidence-based technologies we are able to provide a comprehensive program designed to identify limiting issues early and create personalized programs to reduce pain and improve motion and function for improved quality of life. Whether it’s helping a patient to walk and not trip while outside, opening a jar in the kitchen, or helping them remember where they put the car keys, we have the tools and experience to help. The key is to identify any areas of concern early. Addressing them proactively and creating a life-long home exercise program to maintain an active lifestyle is our specialty.
Our Three-Pronged Approach
No two patients are alike. When it comes to functional aging different patients need different programs. Below is a breakdown of the three main areas encompassed in our program.
Physical Abilities
- Strength
- Stability
- Balance & Gait
- Mobility
- Activities of Daily Living
- Fine Motor Skills/Dexterity
- Self-Care
- Arthritis
Brain Health/Cognitive Functioning
- Memory
- Reasoning
- Verbal Ability
- Concentration
Peace of Mind
Our Functional Aging Screening program can provide baseline measurements for both brain performance and physical abilities that can be taken in conjunction with an annual physical. Over time, we can track any changes that may typically go unrecognized because of gradual variations. The good news, when identified early, we can intercede and together develop a plan of action to ensure you are aging in the healthiest way possible. There is no better peace of mind that we have your back.
Whether you or a loved one could benefit from a Functional Aging evaluation or specific assistance with any of these areas we are always here to help.
