Maximising abilities while isolated

We understand the importance of and effectiveness of home based physical activity and exercise, so it is great to see this latest evidence about minimising frailty in isolated older people.

'Maximising mobility in the elderly when isolated with COVID=-19'

Harmann-Boyce J, Davides N, Frost R, Bussey J, Park S. 20th March 2020. The Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine, University of Oxford.

This rapid review focuses on how to minimise development of frailty in people who were previously mobile but are now house-bound due to Covid-19 isolation. There is a paucity of evidence on how to maximise mobility in older people who are isolated at home.

This rapid review has four key messages:

1) There is some evidence that doing movement and exercise can reduce elements of frailty.

2) A mixture of resistance, strength and balancing exercises appear most effective in this population.

3) Adding a social element to exercise may improve adherence and motivation for exercise. This may also minimise risk of depression and anxiety which can worsen frailty.

4) There may be a role for technology to support exercise programs via e.g. internet, video games, media broadcasts or phone calls. The latter two will be of particular importance to the 29% of adults over 65 who do not access the internet.

Active Ageing Australia can support older people to be physically active at home with a range of range of resources, including:

• Moving for Life Your Way book - 2 complete exercise programs, over 30 exercises.

• Moving for Life Your Way book e-book. Available soon.

• Video stream & DVD of the Moving for Life Your Way exercises. Available soon.

• Moving for Life Your Way FOUNDATIONS book – 16 essential exercises for strength and balance, stretching and warming up. Available after Easter.

• Video stream & DVD of the Moving for Life Your Way FOUNDATIONS exercises. To be used with the book. Available now.

• Video exercise classes available as DVD and video stream; These 'classes' videos are designed for the viewer to join in with each exercise, following the movement, speed and repetitions suggested.

•‘Focus on Balance’ and ‘Focus on Core’. Melanie Smith as presenter; 1 x balance exercises class, 1 x pilates/core exercises. (Ready 3-4 weeks after Easter).

• Kay McKenzie’s ‘Active for Living ‘ DVD and video stream. Seated and standing options for all abilities. A gentle, fun ‘workout’ with strength, balance, and low impact exercises.

• ‘Get Active for Living’. Exercises based on the HAMP evidence based exercise program.