Information on physical activity and exercise for older people
Information for health professionals
Older people and people with health problems are at a high risk of COVID-19 so are advised to limit contact with others. This sensible strategy may have unintended but serious consequences including falls and poorer function due to reduced physical activity. We know that simple functional exercises to improve balance, strength and endurance can improve function and prevent falls.
Physiotherapists, exercise physiologists and other health professionals have a crucial role in helping older people and those with health conditions safely exercise at home.
Use this website with your clients to suggest exercises, give tips for staying motivated at home and for staying safe while exercising.
Resources
The resources below may also be of use in your role as a facilitator of safe exercise at home for your clients.
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Evidence on Physical Activity and Falls Prevention for People Aged 65+ years
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PEDro, the Physiotherapy evidence database
Free database of evidence to guide physiotherapy practice
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Staying active during and after lockdown webinar recordings
Webinar run by the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health
Physical activity and exercise guidelines, evidence and resources
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Safe Exercise at Home website flyer
A downloadable flyer for you to place in your waiting room to help your patients find the Safe Exercise at Home website
Telehealth resources
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Physiotherapy Exercises
Free database of 1000 exercises to produce exercise sheets. Includes sample exercise programs for older people
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Moving Medicine
Resources for health professionals on prescribing movement that focuses on people with health conditions
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Make Movement your Mission - Later life training
This is a collection of exercise videos suitable for people at Level 1 and 2. Each video contributes to form a whole series that can be progressed through as a daily or weekly plan for exercise.
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Osteoporosis Exercise at home
Webinar (one hour) with exercises suitable for people with osteoporosis.