Growth and Development Q 22
The nurse who volunteers at a senior citizens center is planning activities for the members who attend the center. Which activity would best promote health and maintenance for these senior citizens?
A. Gardening every day for an hour
B. Aerobics 3 times a week for 30 minutes
C. Sculpting twice a week for 60 minutes
D. Walking 3 to 5 times a week for 30 minutes
Correct Answer: D. Walking three (3) to five (5) times a week for 30 minutes.
Exercise and activity are essential for health promotion and maintenance in older adults and to achieve an optimal level of functioning. About half of the physical deterioration of the older client is caused by disuse rather than by the aging process or disease. One of the best exercises for an older adult is walking, progressing to a 30 minutes session three (3) to five (5) times each week. Swimming and dancing are also beneficial.
Option A: Gardening is a muscle-strengthening activity that can be done by an older adult for at least 2 or more days a week. Everyday gardening is not advisable. Some physical, mental, and age-related conditions must be considered when older people work in the garden, but they should not prevent people from enjoying the garden.
Option B: Aerobic activity considered a vigorous-intensity activity should be done for 75 minutes a week in 10 minutes duration. Aerobics or cardio exercises pretty much fit everyone but the frequency and intensity of each exercise should be considered before sticking to a particular regime.
Option C: Body sculpting for 60 minutes is an activity that is too vigorous for an adult. These popular workouts are well-suited for younger adults looking to bulk up or shed weight in a hurry, but they may put an unhealthy strain on older adults with joint pain, atrophied muscles, posture problems, or issues with balance.