How much are you challenging the older adults you work with What biases do you have about someone when you see their age or comorbidities? Are they limiting how much you push them?  Have you ever thought about the consequences of not pushing someone enough?? On today’s show we interviewed Dr. Dustin Jones, PT, DPT, GCS about his approach to working with aging adults and how it challenges the norm. He was working in skilled nursing facilities and seeing nearly everyone with the same exercises and plans of care despite varying abilities. This led to a desire to change the approach to care to be about determining what is really possible for aging adults and questioning why we only reserve more challenging work for those who are younger.  

In the episode Dustin explores how many therapists make assumptions (often ageist) about what someone is able or not able to do that isn’t backed up by research. He discusses the fear that something could go wrong when you challenge an older adult and challenges you to consider what could go right. If you approach it the right way, honoring their system and giving time to adapt, older adults have so much to gain by doing heavy lifting and strength training. The bigger risk for this population is actually to underdose them. People who are stronger and more fit have an ability to overcome more illnesses and stay independent longer. We discuss how to have conversations and set expectations for hard work outs that could lead to soreness or even orthopedic flare ups and how this is actually less risky as a consequence of pushing someone than the alternative outcomes that can happen is they aren’t as strong as possible, such as illnesses and chronic conditions from being sedentary.  

Keys to success with a fitness forward approach include ensuring the exercises are aligned with the patient’s primary goal. If they have pain, address that first but still have the conversation about where you’re going. Keep tying the exercise approach back to their independence and functional goals, and help them see the connection. Make sure they know the worst thing they can do is stop. Assure them to keep coming back so you can help them through it. 

Dustin runs StrongerLife, a gym for people over 55 and teaches Modern Management of the Older Adult as part of the Institute of Clinical Excellence, or PT on ICE.

Learn more about Dustin and StrongerLIfe at www.StrongerLifeHQ.com 

Modern Management of the Older Adult - PTonICE.com

@mmoa.icephysio

@strongerlifehq