For us, we feel that we have recovered from being a “patient” to a “normal person” after completing medical treatment or getting discharged from the hospital and when we are ready and able to “go outside” once again. But for the elderly, chancesof being admitted due to the deteriotation of bodily functions or sudden ailments increases. Instead of looking forward to a full recovery upon discharge, they will probably be thinking about the after effects of the treatment and the long rehabilitation period that will follow. Family members must therefore stand by their side and encourage these elderly who feel “defeated”.

It has been said that rehabilitation without a goal is fruitless. “To go out; to walk together” can be a motivation for the elderly towards rehabilitation. To re-join society, the elderly needs to be able to use the toilet. To propel rehabilitation, it is important for the elderly and care-giver to share a common goal such as ”Let’s go for a stroll once you are able to use the toilet” and to work towards it together. The ability to use the toilet is the No.1 step towards re-joining society.

1. The meaning of living

I believe that for the elderly, “living” is to have a “calendar” and a “clock”.

By “calendar”, it means to have a schedule or appointments such as “going shopping”, “going for a meal” or “meeting up with friends” etc. When they have a calendar that is full of schedules and appointments, they will feel that they are living a full life.

By “clock”, it refers to their daily routine. Having breakfast at 8:00am, going for a walk in the morning, have lunch at 12: noon, going shopping in the afternoon etc. Basically, keeping a regular rhythm to their daily activities.

Rehabilitation for the elderly is to have them look at the positive and to live a life that is fulfilling. To walk together with friends and family is a motivation towards the recovery of their lifestyle.

2. Support and encouragement even when faced with incontinence problems

One major set-back for elderly who are going through self-reliant incontinence care
rehabilitation is the discouragement they face whenever they fail to control themselves.
Their pride and self-worth will be deeply affected when they lose control of their bladder
while heading to the toilet or even while removing their clothingin toilet. It is essential to
regain their self-confidence by the use of pants shaped adult diaper.

Thecare- giver should never rebuke the elderly for incontinence, but be supportive. Words
like “Don’t worryeven if can’t control, I’m here with you and you are using the pants shaped
adult diaper will serve to boost confidence of the elderly. It has been said that rehabilitating
an elderly is a challenge that is likened to the ”restoration of rights” to a himan being.

To be able to go out and about together with the family without having to worry about
incontinence issues, the elderly will still be able to overcome this barrier and be a part of
society as long as they able to change their soiled pads or rehabilitation pants by
themseleves.

Walking is effective in keeping the brain active. Why?

There are many methods to keep the brain active, such as starting a new hobby or going for a holiday. But in everyday life,
the most important point would be to continue doing something regularly. In that sense, I believe that “Walking”
is the easiest activity to start with. Walking serves as a positive stimulation to the brain. It makes use of the major
muscles of your body, and that in turn would increase the amount of blood flowing to the brain. When blood flow to the brain
increases, the blood carries oxygen along with energy rich glucose,keeping the brain cells active. On top of that, by walking,
the brain release substances that helps in the creation of communication pathways among the nerve cells.

Any tips on how to cultivate walking as a habit?

With everything else in life, if one does not enjoy an activity, it would be very difficult for him/her to continue with it. In a
sense, you can call this rehabilitation.

To start off, don’t set ‘rehabiliation’ or ‘you need to be outside more often’ as the goal to get some walking. Instead,
setting simple goals like “let’s walk to a friend’s house” or “let’s try going down to the park” would be more effective.
Because the sense of achievement that comes with completing simple goals will release dopamine and will create a
desire to want to do more; this might be a good way to develop a walking habit. It is also important from a rehabilitation
point of view to stimulate our 5 senses by going outdoors and enjoying nature.

Do we have to take walking distance and the location into consideration?

I believe that walking 15 to 20 minutes a day would be sufficient. After walking for about 15 mintues,
endorphins are produced in the brain, giving the individual a feeling of well-being. The more you walk, the more it would become easier to do so and soon, walking 20 mintues or an hour should not be a burden to the individual.

Safety and sercurity should be made a priority when talking about the location. Depending on where you live, there might be some of you who have difficulties in finding a safe place to walk. In such situations. I would recommend something I call “Ride & Walk”, that is, to take a car (or public transportation) to a big park or garden and then to walk there.

Once again, the aim is not just to walk; the best way would be to find enjoyment and
pleasure while walking.