You Know What They Say; Age Is Just A Number
For children, parents and teachers are among some of the adult figures who are supposed to be instrumental in a child’s development; their provision of support can nurture a child, helping them become independent so that they are adequately equipped to take on the world once they become adults themselves.
As these children become adults, and then eventually seniors, the independence that they had become accustomed to inevitably changes. With the natural aging process taking effect, the thought of getting older and dependent on others can be overwhelming for seniors – but it doesn’t have to be.
A physiotherapist can take on a role that is similar to that of a parent or teacher, enabling these seniors to maintain autonomy, freedom, well-being, and dignity. As long as seniors are willing to pursue physiotherapy and practice prescribed exercises, they can navigate the challenges that come with growing older.
How Do I Know?
Well, levidence-based literature reinforces the age-old adage that “the proof is in the pudding.”
For example, a recent study with nearly 20,000 participants saw a promising 21% decrease in the rate of falls among community-dwelling seniors when exercises were adhered to. More specifically, exercise regimens that challenged balance and incorporated more than three hours of activity per week demonstrated an incredible 39% reduction in falls to emphasize the importance of tailored and targeted exercises in minimizing fall risks1.
But beyond this, I’ve seen it first-hand throughout my decade-plus journey of being a physiotherapist.
One senior whom I have worked closely with over the years (for the sake of maintaining their privacy, I won’t name him) was kind enough to shed light on how physiotherapy has helped in his journey. What began as a quest to remain living independently in his homehas since evolved into a testament to the transformative power of aging powerfully while also maintaining independence. With each session, he experienced a tangible shift – not just in his physical ability but also in his mental resilience and emotional well-being.
At GRP, this is what we aspire to have of our patients achieve: the realization that physiotherapy is not merely a series of exercises; it is a lifeline and means of restoring agency over your own body and quality of life. .
If It Works For Athletes, It Can Work For You
As a basketball fan, I can’t help but highlight an athlete like Stephen Curry.
Unanimously known as the greatest shooter to ever pick up a basketball, his career hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows. In fact, his first few years in the NBA were plagued with ankle injuries that ultimately caused many to question his career’s longevity. Furthermore, he missed a significant portion of the 2017-18 season before returning to form to win his third championship for the Golden State Warriors and subsequently praising his physiotherapist for her help23.
While Steph Curry isn’t a senior citizen, he serves as an example of how targeted interventions and personalized guidance can help one regain strength, mobility, and confidence – to lay the groundwork for a life lived on one’s preferred terms.
Thus, physiotherapy can also equip seniors with tools and techniques to navigate the physical challenges of growing older while fostering a sense of self-efficacy and resilience that transcends the confines of age.
One Testimony of Many
One of the key ways in which this can be achieved is by addressing mobility issues. Whether it’s improving balance after a fall or managing chronic conditions like arthritis, physiotherapy offers specific interventions to improve functional mobility and reduce pain. Through targeted exercises and hands-on treatment, seniors can reclaim the ability to move freely and confidently in their own spaces. It also empowers seniors to remain active and engaged in their communities, free from fear.
Yet, perhaps the most profound impact of physiotherapy lies in its ability to foster a sense of agency and self-reliance. By providing seniors with the tools, strategies, and education to manage their own health and well-being, physiotherapy instills a newfound sense of confidence and autonomy. From modifying daily tasks to cultivating habits that promote strength, seniors emerge from physiotherapy empowered to take charge of their own futures.
If you don’t believe me, the patient I mentioned earlier had this to say: “The fact that I can live in this big house alone here is because of the confidence I have, because of the tremendous physical strength I’ve developed. I don’t even think about it [physiotherapy], I just do it, and I do it safely. If you want to be a musician, you pick up an instrument, and you practice, practice, and practice – and then you learn to play the darn thing. Physiotherapy is the same thing; apply yourself, get guidance from a physiotherapist, and before you know it, you are into it, and you’ll love it… at the end of the day, you will come to find out that no matter how difficult your situation is… you can handle it.”
Over the course of his journey, he has credited physiotherapy for improving his balance, strength, confidence, and mentality – that’s a four-for-one deal and a pretty good bargain if you ask us.
With that said, after more than thirteen years of working as a physiotherapist, there are several other testimonies I can share with you – or, you could start your physiotherapy journey today and share a testimony of your own!