A goal leading to improving motion analysis and therapy

The process of human aging is complex and individualized, occurs in the biological, psychological, and social sphere [1]. Aging is the progressive deterioration at the cellular, tissue, and organ level that leads to loss of homeostasis, decreased ability to adapt to internal or external stimuli, and increased vulnerability to disease and death. Regular daily activity is critical to healthy aging and maintaining function, reducing premature morbidity, and reducing social isolation. Exercise promotes a longer life span, the amount of time we live, and a longer health span, the amount of healthy time we live. Exercise is key to the prevention and management of many conditions common in the adult population including hypertension, diabetes, obesity, insomnia, social isolation, depression, and anxiety [2, 3].

Most importantly, social isolation is a real threat to the mental and physical health of the elderly population, leading to depression, self-harming (eg, drug abuse, alcoholism, suicide) or self-neglecting behavior, a higher level of cognitive and/or physical disability, and increased mortality. Consequently, preventing or ameliorating social isolation in that age group is becoming a top social topic and a priority in policy-making in many countries [3].

The aging process has physical, cultural, mental, and biopsychosocial dimensions.
• Normal physiological aging is associated with loss of lean muscle mass, an increase in lipofuscin and other cellular waste products, and fat deposits. Over time, cartilage loses hydration and increases in calcium content. There is also increased stiffness of ligaments and tendons, which leads to less mobile joints and slowed, more limited body movements.
• Although changes in the environment, isolation, loneliness and lack of preparation for old age, biological factors such as physical inactivity, improper nutrition, psychomotor load, acute and chronic medical conditions and psychosocial factors show cultural differences, the changes brought about by aging can be examined under the common heading.
• Mental aging refers to the human consciousness and its adaptability to the aging process. Acceptance of old age contributes to the feeling of happiness and life satisfaction, the lack of which causes the feelings of solitude and physical suffering.
• Psychosocial aging, however, to a great extent depends on how a person is prepared for old age and takes effect over time. Psychological causes of the aging process may include deterioration of self-esteem, illness and death of peers, low psychological resilience, social isolation, high levels of anxiety, feelings of loneliness and tendency to depression.

The aging process has a negative impact on physical, cultural, mental, and biopsychosocial functioning.
With the aging process, a person needs the support of a physiotherapist, dietician, psychologist, family, and peers. The multidisciplinary health team works together to support physical and mental health, to ensure that the elderly feel healthy, and to maintain daily life activities. Health professionals’ safe communication with the elderly person’s environment and in harmony with the cultural background of the elderly person increases the efficiency of the therapy program.

The concept of this course is designed to highlight special considerations regarding physiotherapy approaches, role, and procedures for the older adult population. Approaches to healthy aging and the biological and psychosocial changes brought about by the aging process are presented and reviewed. In this training module, therapeutic approaches will be demonstrated to effectively maintain mental and physical health in the elderly.