After the age of 80, every movement counts
Ageing well also involves staying active. Physical activity remains one of the best ways to maintain independence, prevent falls and keep cognitive abilities sharp. But far from being about sporting performance, it must above all be tailored to each person’s abilities and preferences. For Dr Lucie Gagneur, a geriatrician and coordinating doctor at emeis, the key is to keep moving, even if only a little.
Staying active: to each their own goal
Taking part in sport is not a requirement for staying active as you get older: “Physical activity is not limited to sport,” points out Dr Gagneur. Housework, cooking, gardening, setting the table or popping out to buy bread all help to maintain independence and mobility.
The WHO’s guidelines recommend around 150 minutes of moderate physical activity per week. But for the very elderly or frail, this target must be tailored to the individual: “You need to start gradually and adapt to each person’s physical and cognitive abilities,” she explains. The key is, above all, to combat inactivity: “Even if you don’t meet the recommendations, there’s always a benefit to doing a little physical activity rather than nothing at all,” emphasises the geriatrician.
Maintaining independence above all
For those over 80, the aim is not performance, but maintaining independence. Being able to continue getting up, walking, getting dressed or going out requires maintaining good muscle strength, balance and coordination. The activities on offer are therefore primarily designed to prevent falls and preserve these abilities in daily life. “Our main objectives are to preserve functional abilities and prevent the loss of independence,” emphasises Dr Gagneur.
The benefits extend far beyond physical health alone: lower blood pressure, improved sleep, reduced anxiety and depression, enhanced cognitive function and even the prevention of diabetes.
Giving meaning to movement
To encourage participation, the activity must be meaningful: “We need to start with the person’s interests and life story.” Even when memory declines, certain physical reflexes remain intact for a long time: a familiar piece of music, a former passion or a movement repeated over many years can be enough to get a person moving again. “A former dance teacher with advanced cognitive impairment would spontaneously recall certain movements as soon as the music started,” explains Dr Gagneur.
The approach is therefore highly personalised. Group activities appeal to some people and also help to break the isolation. Others prefer one-to-one support or independent activities: a daily walk, light exercises in their room or even tending to the garden.
Particular caution in hot weather
Contrary to popular belief, resuming adapted physical activity poses relatively little risk of injury to older people, particularly as it is usually introduced gradually and at a moderate intensity. The risk of serious cardiovascular complications linked to physical exertion also remains very low, even after the age of 80. However, ageing alters the perception of thirst and the ability to regulate body temperature: “Older people sweat less and feel less thirsty. They are particularly at risk of dehydration and heatstroke,” points out Dr Gagneur. Regular hydration, avoiding activities during the hottest parts of the day, and ensuring proper warm-up and cool-down are therefore essential. Unusual tiredness, dizziness, persistent shortness of breath, palpitations or confusion should prompt you to stop the activity.
Human connection as a driving force
Dr Gagneur recalls a resident who arrived at a care home after several weeks in hospital and had given up walking. Gradually, he regained the desire to get moving thanks to highly personalised support: “The key was the human connection – returning to a more caring and reassuring environment.”
For older people, physical activity also helps to break the vicious circle of depression, social withdrawal, loss of mobility and loss of independence.
At emeis, physical activities tailored to each resident
Supervised by physiotherapists, psychomotor therapists, occupational therapists or adapted physical activity instructors, residents can take part in a variety of activities: balance workshops, dance, yoga, tai chi, coordination games, balneotherapy, gardening and even adapted boxing. The programmes are tailored to each individual’s abilities and personal history, with one constant aim: to preserve independence whilst maintaining the joy of being active.