As people age, seniors often experience decreased physical activity, declining balance, and shrinking social circles, which can easily lead to muscle loss (sarcopenia) and emotional distress. According to the latest statistics, there are currently about 1.75 million individuals aged 65 or above in Hong Kong, constituting roughly 24% of the total population. Among them, approximately half suffer from chronic conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and heart disease, making the coexistence of an aging population and multiple health issues increasingly common. Currently, about 80,000 seniors reside in long-term care homes, representing about 4.5% of Hong Kong's elderly population. This highlights the crucial role care homes play in senior care and health promotion.
Traditional Exercise: Easier Said Than Done
Previously, promoting senior health focused on moderate physical activity, which effectively improves bodily functions and helps prevent/manage chronic diseases. While exercise intervention remains the most effective non-pharmacological method to alleviate various adverse health impacts, research reports indicate that implementing exercise programs in long-term care homes often faces challenges such as low motivation among seniors, fear of injury, and resource limitations, leading to low participation rates. Therefore, we need to find innovative ways to attract seniors to participate in health-promoting activities.
Source URL : 'Exergaming' emerging to promote health and activity among seniors, especially in care homes | The Standard
https://www.thestandard.com.hk/health-and-wellness/article/322398/
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