Older Adults

“I've grown old, my breathing will be like this now.” That sentence rarely explains the whole picture.

With ageing the chest wall stiffens somewhat, lung tissue loses elasticity and respiratory muscle strength falls. These are changes related to age itself and cannot be reversed.

Part of the picture, however, comes not from age but from inactivity. In someone who moves little, muscle mass falls, conditioning declines, chest wall mobility becomes restricted and the same task starts to demand more oxygen. That second part can be worked on — and separating the two is also the way to set realistic expectations.

What the assessment looks at

• Respiratory muscle strength — by measurement
• Chest expansion and posture
• Sit-to-stand and walking-based functional tests
• Balance and falls risk — the exercise plan is built around this
• Other conditions and current medication
• Cough effectiveness and observations related to swallowing
• Nutritional status and muscle mass

Approach to the programme

• A gradual, low-intensity start: consistency matters more than rapid progression.
• Balance work: supported at the start, with falls risk in mind.
• Strength work: safely structured exercises for the legs and trunk, including seated options.
• Chest wall mobility: work aimed at maintaining flexibility.
• Inspiratory muscle training: measurement-based, for those found suitable.
• Everyday adjustments: home safety, energy conservation and mobility aids where needed.

Realistic goals

The goal is not to return to the capacity of a twenty-year-old. It is concrete, measurable gains: finishing the shopping in one go, climbing the stairs with fewer pauses, lifting a grandchild, finishing a sentence on the phone without a break.

Because such goals are both achievable and felt directly in daily life, they also make the programme easier to sustain.

Treatments used in this group

Frequently Asked Questions