Maintaining physical health is a difficult issue in the geriatric community. A person's level of physical fitness depends largely on how frequently and intensely he or she exercises.

From a geriatric perspective, older people fall into two broad groups: Those who are living in the community and can satisfy most of their own basic needs; and Those who are frail and living in long term care settings.

Although nursing care requirements differ for each group in important respects, older people all require special attention in the following areas; exercise, nutrition, rest, sleep, elimination, sexual function, and preventive medical care.

Loss of Mobility: The ability to perform unrestricted movements is essential to one's freedom. Older people experience loss of mobility and the functional loss and lowered activity level that goes with it, from normal age related changes in body systems. In an institutional setting, older people may experience impaired mobility because of medication, activity restrictions or the use of restraints.

Musculoskeletal inactivity or immobility adversely affects all body systems.

The individualised exercise programme aims to maintain or increase flexibility, strength, endurance, range of motion, balance, and coordination.

However, you will need to obtain medical clearance before planning any exercise programme. Perform warm-up exercises to loosen joints; this will lessen the risk of muscle strains or ligament damage.

The benefits of exercise: The need for life-long exercise in maintaining good health has become evident to health care professionals. The benefits of exercise include increased energy and independence, a sense of well-being and relaxation, reduced stress and fatigue and in some cases weight loss and improved patterns of rest and sleep.

Finally the health benefits of exercise are obvious and well known, yet less than 50 percent of all adults exercise for the minimum recommended periods of 20 minutes, three times per week.

Paulette H. Godfrey is a qualified elderly caregiver and geriatric aide.