Spotlight On Aging: Rehabilitation

Disorders that require rehabilitation (such as stroke, heart attacks, hip fracture, and limb amputation) are common among older adults. However, older adults may have characteristics that make rehabilitation challenging, such as

• Being physically inactive

• Having weak muscles (including the heart muscle)

• Lacking endurance

• Being depressed or having dementia

• Having problems with balance, coordination, or agility.

• Having stiff joints

Nonetheless, age alone is not a reason to postpone or deny rehabilitation.

Older adults may recover more slowly. Consequently, programs designed specifically for older adults are preferable. Older adults often have different goals and need different types of care than do younger people. When older adults are in programs designed for them, they are less likely to compare their progress with that of younger people and to become discouraged.