In atleast 3 pages, APA format, 12 point, Times New Roman font, 1.5 line spacing, atleast 3 scholarly sources prooperly cited, maximum 5 sources.
Mobility is an essential part of healing and health. Consider the devastating impact that immobility can have on the elderly population. Describe strategies that you can adopt to your daily care to ensure mobility in all elderly clients. Cite specific evidence-based activities that can enhance health in this population. Compare the benefit of these activities on health and address possible challenges for individuals with impaired mobility.
Identify contributing factors for immobility in the elderly population. Devise three nursing interventions
and outcome measures.
Search the Internet for devices that may be used by older adults to maintain independence.
Visit the Web sites http://www.cdc.gov/Features/ActiveAging/ and
http://www.cdc.gov/HomeandRecreationalSafety/Falls… and compare the resources available
with a “general web search” and those cited by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Describe the strengths and limitations of each site
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Mobility Strategies for the Elderly Population
Introduction
Mobility is an essential part of health and wellbeing for elderly individuals. As people age, they are at increased risk for conditions and impairments that can limit mobility, including arthritis, decreased muscle strength, pain, balance issues, and fear of falling (CDC, 2022). Immobility can have devastating effects, leading to loss of independence, social isolation, decreased quality of life, and further health declines (Padula, Hughes, & Baumhover, 2009). As such, it is critical that nurses and healthcare providers promote mobility in elderly patients through evidence-based strategies and interventions. This paper will describe key factors contributing to immobility, evidence-based activities to improve mobility, and nursing interventions and outcome measures to enhance mobility in the elderly.
Contributing Factors to Immobility
There are several key factors that contribute to mobility limitations and immobility in the elderly population. These include both intrinsic and extrinsic factors (Padula et al., 2009). Intrinsic factors relate to the individual’s health status and include musculoskeletal conditions like arthritis and osteoporosis, decreased muscle strength and endurance, pain, fear of falling, balance and gait impairments, decreased aerobic capacity, and cognitive deficits (CDC, 2022; Padula et al., 2009). Extrinsic factors relate to the person’s environment and include lack of assistive equipment like canes or walkers, inadequate lighting, cluttered walking spaces, lack of handrails, poor footwear, and lack of access to safe walking routes (CDC, 2022; Padula et al., 2009). Identifying both intrinsic and extrinsic mobility barriers is key for implementing effective interventions.
Evidence-Based Mobility Activities
Research supports a number of evidence-based activities and exercises that can improve mobility and physical functioning in the elderly. These include:
Aerobic exercise (e.g. walking, swimming, cycling) which helps maintain cardiovascular health and endurance for daily activities (CDC, 2022; Padula et al., 2009). The CDC (2022) recommends at least 150 minutes per week of moderate intensity aerobic activity.
Strength training (e.g. weight machines, free weights, resistance bands) which helps maintain and build muscle mass important for mobility (CDC, 2022). The CDC recommends strength training at least 2 days per week.
Balance exercises (e.g. tandem stance, heel-to-toe walking) which help prevent falls, a major cause of mobility decline (CDC, 2022; Padula et al., 2009). These are especially important for elderly at high fall risk.
Stretching and yoga to maintain flexibility and range of motion at the joints (CDC, 2022; Jeon et al., 2017).
Tai Chi, which combines balance, strength, and flexibility training (CDC, 2022).
The biggest benefits of these physical activities are preserving the ability to complete daily tasks independently, reducing fall risk, and optimizing quality of life (Jeon et al., 2017). However, challenges like chronic pain, fatigue, low motivation, and lack of transportation may impact adherence (Jeon et al., 2017). Nurses can provide education, resources, encouragement, and referrals to overcome these barriers.
Nursing Interventions and Outcome Measures
Nurses play a vital role in assessing mobility status in the elderly and intervening to optimize functioning. Specific nursing interventions include:
Conducting gait, strength, balance, and mobility assessments at regular intervals using valid tools like the Timed Up and Go test (CDC, 2022).
Reviewing medications and medical conditions that may contribute to mobility limitations.
Providing patient and family education on the importance of mobility and exercise.
Collaborating with physical therapists to develop safe, personalized exercise programs.
Promoting use of assistive devices like canes and walkers appropriately fitted to the patient.
Advocating for environmental modifications to improve safety and accessibility.
Referring to community exercise programs tailored to the elderly.
Providing encouragement and motivation to overcome barriers.
Relevant outcome measures to track include gait speed, balance scores, ability to complete ADLs, fall rates, level of independence, and patient satisfaction (Padula et al., 2009). These measures help determine the efficacy of mobility interventions. Optimizing mobility promotes healthy aging and quality of life.
Conclusion
Mobility is essential for preserving independence and health in the growing elderly population. Key factors that contribute to mobility limitations include age-related physiological changes and environmental barriers. Evidence supports various exercise programs that can counteract these changes and enhance mobility. Nurses play a pivotal role in assessment, education, collaboration, resource provision, and motivation to optimize mobility in this vulnerable population. With a multifaceted approach, nurses can help elderly individuals maintain mobility, independence, and quality of life.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2022). Physical activity for older adults. https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/basics/older_adults/index.htm
Jeon, Y.-H., Li, J., O’Connor, M., Luo, N., Xue, C.-C., Hu, H., … & Chen, T. (2017). Experiences of neighborhood environmental factors and mobility limitation among community-dwelling Chinese older immigrants in a Western society. Disability and Health Journal, 10(3), 408–415. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dhjo.2017.03.006
Padula, C. A., Hughes, C., & Baumhover, L. (2009). Impact of a nurse-driven mobility protocol on functional decline in hospitalized older adults. Journal of Nursing Care Quality, 24(4), 325–331. https://doi.org/10.1097/ncq.0b013e3181a4f79b
