Improve your health IQ and stay in the game longer
Intentional and Unintentional injuries.
One of the worst things about aging is having to give up pleasurable hobbies and activities because of pain or mobility issues. With the proper equipment and techniques, though, some activities can be adapted and continued. Brookfield seniors found out exactly how they could continue to enjoy gardening by attending the “What’s Your Health IQ” Senior Workshop in June of 2009.
The workshop was available free of charge to any interested senior citizen, and was held at Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare – St. Francis. By 8:15 am the room was nearly filled with seniors examining the display table of adaptive gardening tools, eagerly awaiting the first session on “Joint-Friendly Gardening.” The speaker, an Elmbrook Memorial RN and Master Gardener, demonstrated the latest tools and devices for adaptive gardening and provided some tips on avoiding common injuries.
A Wheaton Franciscan Medical Group physician handled the second topic on “Common Orthopedic Issues.” The orthopedic surgeon provided an overview of what causes typical injuries, and illustrated the physiology of joint problems. He and a Wheaton Franciscan Healthcare occupational therapist discussed current surgical techniques, new treatment options, strength and flexibility exercises and rehabilitation approaches to recovering from injury.
The programs finished up with a discussion about the effects of physical exercise on mental agility, with several tips on keeping the brain in optimal health. Attendees were then given the opportunity to test their mental agility, physical fitness, or recreational prowess with various Wii programs. The orthopedic surgeon demonstrated his Wii bowling prowess and seniors were able to try out a technology that they might not otherwise use.
The feedback from the program was overwhelmingly positive. One woman mentioned that she had almost given up on her gardening but she was going to try some of the techniques from the program to get going again. The surgeon was surrounded by individuals with questions about exercise and prevention of joint injuries, and two bowling teams formed for a friendly game of pins. All in all, seniors probably raised their “Senior Health IQ” by a couple of points!