Aged Care Physiotherapy: Are We Doing it Right?

Abstract

Per the most recent census in 2016, there are more than 3.2 million Australians between 65-84 years of age. There are, further, 487,000 people aged over 85 years of age [1]. In recent years there has been a tremendous growth in the Australian population and also a decrease in the number of deaths secondary related to major conditions like cancer, COPD, CVD, etc. The Australian Bureau of statistics predicts the total number of Australians over the age of 65 years will increase to more than 6 million by 2051. It is estimated that by 2051, around 3.5 million people in the older age group will be using aged care system [2]. The Negative effects of ageing include changes in muscle strength, joint cartilage, bone density and body fat; these changes, leads to poor fitness, thereby causing further health complications such as dyspnea, hypertension, arthritis, circulatory issues, stroke, etc. [3]. Another common health issue in the aged population is psychological disorders which affect cognition and orientation, such as Dementia, delirium.