Exercise Guidelines to Counteract Physical Deconditioning in Long-Term Care Facilities: What to Do and How to Do It?

J Am Med Dir Assoc. 2023 May;24(5):583-598. doi: 10.1016/j.jamda.2023.01.015. Epub 2023 Feb 20.

Abstract

With age, older adults experience a decrease in muscle function and changes in body composition, which raise the risk of functional incapacity and loss of autonomy. These declines are more pronounced in older adults living in long-term care (LTC) facilities than those living in the community (ie, sarcopenia prevalence: ∼41% vs ∼10%; obesity prevalence: 30% vs17%). The main cause of these declines is chronic diseases, which are a driver of higher rates of sedentary behavior (85% of time in LTC). Exercise, however, is recognized to help counteract age-related decline, yet it is not integrated into clinical practice.

Keywords: Long-term care; aging; mobility; physical activity; physical autonomy; sedentary.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Exercise / physiology
  • Health Facilities
  • Humans
  • Long-Term Care*
  • Obesity
  • Sarcopenia* / epidemiology
  • Sarcopenia* / prevention & control