Gerontology
Reflection: This class was devoted to information about the aging population, common health problems in the elderly, and proper Physical Therapy treatments for these patients. With the growing number of elderly adults in the US, it was interesting and helpful to learn about the special consideration we should have when treating them.
One of our activities was to wear an aging suit that forced us to mimic the postures and movements of an elderly individual. It was a good experience to help understand what it might feel like to do everyday activities when your body isn't young and strong. I have included the reflection written about this adventure below.
The Great Aging Adventure
I had a lot of fun on my Great Aging Adventure; it ended up being a group activity, with Kara and myself donning the suits while Hillary guided us around. We were also with Tina in the suit and Amy guiding her during part of it. It wasn't quite the Red Hat Club, more like the Crazy Jumpsuit Club; but having the camaraderie made the experience even better. We all started talking like our grandparents as we shuffled around the campus together.
Because there was a class in the lab we started out in the classroom. I'm sure it was pretty funny for those who were watching us taking turns getting on and off of the plinth. It's one of those things that I never even think about, but with the limited range of motion and kyphosis, it was extremely difficult. Now I know that asking an elderly person to “hop up” onto the plinth is not always a feasible request. It would be much better to pull the stool out and assist the patient.
In the restroom it took forever for me to place the toilet paper on the seat. It was difficult for me to see, and my “contractures” kept me from moving the way I normally do. Sitting on the toilet and getting back up took more effort than I'm used to, but it wasn't extremely hard. I think it would be helpful for elderly individuals to use the handicap stall with the higher seat and bars on the wall to help stability.
When we went into the Dean's office we chatted with the young man behind the desk. He gave us a piece of candy, so we proceeded to sit in the waiting area and eat it. The loss of sensitivity in my fingers made opening the candy difficult. Then when I went to put it into my mouth I had the hardest time bending my arm up to my face. I also noticed this when my hair was getting in my face and I tried to push it back. It made me think that this kind of physical limitation may be the reason older ladies keep their hair short, and go to the beauty parlor to have it washed and set. I think that when working with elderly patients we should consider this so we can help them increase the range of motion in their arms to facilitate these types of activities.
I didn't really enjoy walking around outside with the walker. The wheels would get stopped up with pebbles and in cracks in the sidewalk. The sidewalk isn't a straight shot to the HTC building, but trying to maneuver on the grass was too hard so I had to stay on the sidewalk. It took a long time. At least the weather was good, I doubt if I would attempt it with snow or ice on the ground. It's definitely something I hadn't considered before, but if we are seeing elderly patients in an out-patient clinic, we should do everything we can to make it safe and convenient for them to get to the building from the parking lot.
Getting in and out of Hillary's car was interesting. It's pretty low, and I have trouble with that normally, so I just held on to the doorframe and plopped my butt down and then brought my legs in one at a time. It took an extra minute to get back out, but I did it. Then we started making our way to the hill. As we were walking we started talking about “kids now days, with their Justin Biebs and their One Dimensions”. It was pretty tiring and the suit was super hot. All of that walking around bent over was also making my whole body hurt.
When we got up to the library to email Diana, I could not see the computer screen at all. I don't even know if the email went through since I couldn't see if I had typed the address in correctly. Not being able to see really bothers me, but the goggles were no worse than when I don't wear my glasses, so I already know how to compensate.
While completing this adventure I learned a lot about how frustrating and time consuming everyday activities can be when your body isn't working well anymore. One of the ladies I interviewed told me that she can do almost everything she used to, it just takes her much longer and she gets tired. Now I see what she was talking about. I know that I would be less inclined to go out if I had to deal with the aches and pains, exhaustion, and frustration. This will be helpful when I start seeing elderly patients, understanding their limitations and challenges will assist me when coming up with interventions.
