Educate
Clinicians must educate elders about activity benefits and
practice. It empowers elders to play a more informed, active
role in their own health. Clinicians can correct misconceptions
that illness and disabilities are caused by activity or necessitate
inactivity. Explain, for example, to your arthritic patients evidence
that strengthening programs improve knee arthritis
symptoms.53 Education may also empower elders, improving
their mental outlook and self-efficacy. There are many educational
opportunities including counseling in a clinician’s office,
literature at the doctor’s office or local senior center, verbal
instruction from a physical or occupational therapist, and fitness classes at the local Young Men’s Christian Association
(YMCA) or senior center.