Chapter 2

Elder Care Canada - Physical Health

Definition:

From the Madison Metropolitan School District physical education department we found this definition of physical education:

A physically educated person is one who:

• Has learned skills necessary to perform a variety of physical activities.
• Is physically fit.
• Participates regularly in physical activity.
• Knows the implications of and the benefits from involvement in physical activities.
• Values physical activity and its contribution to a healthful lifestyle.

Although this definition was written for a school environment, we thought it would be useful to examine the issue of Elders' Physical Health in these terms.  After all, Physical Education plays a huge part in someone's Physical Health, especially our Elders!

Seniors with Physical Health Challenges - Disability rates (Source: A Profile of Disability in Canada, 2001 - this compete Statistics Canada report can be seen when you Click Here) increase with age, rising from 31% in those aged 65-74, to 53% in the 75+ age group (2001). The overall disability rate for persons aged 65 and over is 40.5%. Disabilities most commonly affect seniors in the following areas:

Discussion:

Physical Activity - Physical activity is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your physical health as you get older. Walking, stretching, and keeping your muscles in good condition will help you to maintain your independence.   Independent living depends on being able to do the things you want to do when you want to do them. To stay independent you need to be able to reach, bend, lift, carry, and move around easily. Staying physically active will help you to keep moving, and stay strong.  The Public Health Agency of Canada has put out a guide to show Seniors how easy it is to get started (Click Here). This is very important to address as studies show that 60% of older adults in Canada are inactive. This inactivity leads to declines in:

• bone strength;
• muscle strength;
• heart and lung fitness; and flexibility.
• Inactivity is as harmful to your health as smoking.

Low Impact Elder Care Canada Fitness Exercise Program

Healthy Feet - Most people are born with healthy feet. But three out of four people develop serious foot problems as they age – putting their independence and well-being at risk. Healthy feet contribute to your safety and health. How?  Click Here  What will you learn?

• Basic foot care
• Shoes for health and safety
• Diabetes and foot care
• Arthritis and foot care

Oral Health Care - You may not think this is an important of Physical Health but it is extremely so!  This is mainly because oral health problems are not usually life threatening, and dental care has not been part of Canada's public health system.  Therefore you may not understand the strong link between oral health and overall health and may not know that most tooth loss is the result of gum disease, not age. When brushing and flossing become difficult because of age-related problems they don't think it matters if they stop.  This link (Click Here) will discuss some very important issues relating to Elders Oral Health.

• Natural tooth care
• Barriers to oral health
• False teeth
• Cost and insurance - only 21% of seniors are insured

Vision Care - As we get older it is normal that our vision changes.   To learn more about eye problems, vision and driving, or on how to live an active life with vision loss Click Here.   Here are the most common changes that come with age that you will find at this link:

• Presbyopia - the inability to focus on close objects or small print
• Cataracts - the gradual clouding of the natural lens of the eye that prevents light from reaching the retina
• Floaters - are tiny spots or specks that float across the field of vision
• Dry eyes - a common problem, especially with aging. Your eyes may feel gritty, itchy or burning
• Glaucoma is an eye problem that develops when the pressure within the eye starts destroying the nerve fibres within the retina
• Age-related macular degeneration is an eye disease that occurs when the macula (the central part of the retina responsible for sharp vision) is damaged
• Diabetic retinopathy - is an eye problem linked to diabetes

Heart & Stroke - When you Click Here here you will be taken to a site where you can take the Heart & Stroke Risk Assessment to learn what your heart and stroke risks are and to receive a personalized action plan for healthy living.   Why is it important to look into this issue?  Especially Elders?

• As you get older, your risk off heart disease increases
• Men, over the age of 55 years and women after menopause are at greater risk of heart disease
• There are between 40,000 to 50,000 strokes in Canada each year.
• After age 55, the risk of stroke doubles every 10 years.
• Although strokes can occur at any age, most strokes occur in people over 65
• Until women reach menopause they have a lower risk of stroke than men.

Palliative Care -  Palliative care is a special kind of health care for individuals and families who are living with a life-threatening illness, usually at an advanced stage. This information sheet answers some of the questions seniors frequently ask about palliative care (sometimes called hospice care). It also suggests where seniors can learn more about the services available. Click Here to find out answers to the following questions:

• What is involved in palliative care?
• Who provides palliative care?
• Where do people receive palliative care?
• Who pays for palliative care?
• How can I find out about palliative care services available in my community?
• How can I make my wishes known about my care?
• How can I find out more general information about palliative care?

Resources:

Assistive Devices - Info Sheet for Seniors - Click Here

Oral Health of Seniors: A Nova Scotia Project. The Silent Epidemic of Oral Disease: Evaluating Continuity of Care and Policies for the Oral Health Care of Seniors. www.ahprc.dal.ca/oralhealth 

Canadian Ophthalmological Society - www.eyesite.ca

Heart & Stroke Foundation of Canada - http://www.heartandstroke.ca

Palliative Care - http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/seniors-aines/pubs/info_sheets/palliative_care/pall_e.htm#how