An Observation of Range-of-Motion Movements Illustrated by Elders while Gardening

Abstract

According to the Administration on Aging (AoA) persons 65 years or older comprised 12.9% of the U.S. population in 2009. They estimate that by 2030, this number will increase to 19% (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, n.d.). As this population continues to grow, it is important for healthcare providers to learn to manage and promote the health of the elderly. One important consideration is physical activity. Physical activity is integral to the health and well being of older adults. It can lead to the prevention of chronic disease, can help to maintain physiologic function and mobility, prevent falls, and positively impact psychological health and cognition. A subset of physical activity is exercise, of which there are various kinds. These include: aerobic, strength, balance, and flexibility (Francois, Brach, & Studenski, 2014). Gardening is one form of aerobic exercise that incorporates range of motion movements (Francois, Brach, & Studenski, 2014). Gardening does not just offer physical benefits. In a study conducted by Wang and Glicksman (2013), the reasons why seniors participated in community gardening encompassed nine main themes. These were: mental health benefits, the end produce, continuation of a past life, having something to do/responsibility, connection to growth and beauty, connections with others, physical health, being able to learn something new, and helping one another (Wang & Glicksman, 2013). This research was an observational study of elders working in a community garden in Manoa. It examined the range of motion movements illustrated by this population during gardening. A study instrument composed of various range of motion movements was used to identify range of motion movements observed.