Older Adults Benefit
from Stretching
By Richard Shank
A report published in Home Health Care Management & Practice reiterates the importance of stretching for older adults. The limitations associated with muscle and joint stiffness should be a primary concern for care providers looking for programs that prevent chronic disability. Stretching enhances flexibility, and there are numerous secondary benefits, especially for older adults. It has been shown to facilitate relaxation, injury prevention, reduced soreness, recovery from physical exercise, muscle balance, and readiness for strength and endurance training.
There are different categories of flexibility. Static flexibility refers to the range of motion (ROM) of a joint being subjected to static or passive stretching. This type of stretching is of the “reach and hold” variety. Dynamic flexibility refers to the ROM of a joint while in motion. Arm circles and trunk twists are examples. After a brief increase in childhood, flexibility decreases, and physical changes that occur during the life course are responsible for these reductions. Muscle function decreases, while intramuscular connective tissue increases, which results in stiffness, decreased ROM, and impaired performance of activities of daily living.
Every person has joints that are more flexible than others, so individuals will have varying ranges of flexibility for different movements. Stretching programs should target both areas of strength and weakness with regard to flexibility.
Source: Wallmann, H. 2009. Stretching and flexibility in the Aging Adult. Home Health Care Management & Practice 21:355-357.
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