Rehab Select Blog

Sepsis is a serious and often life-threatening complication of an infection. It occurs when the body has an overwhelming response to a bacterial infection, releasing infection-fighting chemicals into the bloodstream that trigger inflammation throughout the body. This inflammation can lead to blood clots and leaky blood vessels, which causes poor blood flow, depriving the body and its organs of the oxygen and nutrients needed to function effectively. In severe cases, organs may fail. In the worst cases, a dangerous drop in blood pressure occurs and the heart is weakened, leading to a life-threatening condition called septic shock.

As people get older, one bodily structure that tends to deteriorate is the bone system. Bones are critical for everyday life, but many seniors have trouble with the health of their bones; due to age, certain types of diseases can cause bones to wear down more quickly than normal.

Think exercise is just for the "younger set"? Think again. Exercise is important for seniors, as well -- even if someone has never exercised before. 

Before starting an exercise program

Anyone thinking about beginning an exercise program should visit his or her doctor to make sure physical activity is okay, and what if any restrictions need to be in place.

Is it safe for older people to exercise? For most people, the answer is a resounding "yes."

Understanding health benefits of exercise for seniors is relatively straightforward: The American Academy of Family Physicians states that almost all older people can benefit from at least some activity. Regular, sensible physical activity helps protect seniors from chronic diseases, improves mood, lessens the chance of injury, and helps prevent situations that can lead to rapid decline, like falls.

It is important to eat well at any age, but it's especially important to make nutrition a top priority for older Americans. Some 15 to 50% of older Americans struggle with malnutrition. Symptoms can include loss of appetite, lethargy, disorientation and weight loss. Fortunately, it's a relatively easy problem to fix for most people; understanding health benefits of a proper diet for the elderly is the first step in doing so.