Class focuses on keeping joints flexible in old age
March 9, 2011
Arthritis can be a painful and debilitating condition as one ages. It can also contribute to injuries such as falls, because older adults with severe cases of arthritis can experience reduced mobility. This is a widespread problem – nearly every senior has some signs of arthritis by the age of 70, according to The Carroll County Times.
One class in the Carroll Country region of Maryland is now working to help older adults combat the disease by developing exercise techniques specifically for those who have it. The gentle fitness routines keep limbs moving so that motion, joint flexibility and strength are better maintained.
If older adults with arthritis are looking for a way to stay safe in their homes as they age, they may also want to invest in a fall-detection monitoring system. Medical alert systems are wearable devices that can instantly send a personal emergency response message if one suffers from a fall.
Special fitness classes can be useful as well.
“Ninety percent of it is done in chairs. We do a lot of joint work and range of motion. We use hand weights, finger balls, bigger balls and, sometimes, hoops,” instructor Valerie Wittstadt told the publication.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that there are currently 50 million Americans who have some kind of arthritis.
