Keep moving

Some count steps, some maintain an active daily lifestyle, and others perform regular physical activity at varying intensities. As part of World Physical Therapy Week, which this year focuses on the importance of healthy aging, the physical therapy team organized a special activity for Hillel Yaffe Medical Center retirees and volunteers: group Nordic walking guided by a physical therapist, including tips on exercise that is appropriate for seniors.

"In older age, physical activity is extremely important to health," said Yael Krebs, Physical Therapy Service Director at Hillel Yaffe Medical Center. "The purpose of the activity we initiated as part of World Physical Therapy Week is to raise awareness about performing physical activity in a social, friendly and enjoyable setting, along with the health benefits it provides. We chose Nordic walking because it delivers these advantages and combines use of the entire body, including the upper limbs, together with walking in nature, in the open air."

Hillel Yaffe physical therapy staff teaching Nordic walking for hospital retirees and volunteers

The activity was led by Or Dadosh, a physical therapist at Hillel Yaffe, who conducts similar workshops regularly as well. Participants enthusiastically noted the fun and importance of the activity and even asked that it be offered regularly, as a matter of routine.

It should be noted that Hillel Yaffe Medical Center has been running Meitav, a program designed to prevent functional decline among seniors, for a year and a half. It primarily involves bringing together a multidisciplinary team – medical, nursing, occupational therapy and, of course, physical therapy, whenever they identify that a patient might functionally deteriorate during hospitalization due to lack of mobility, delirium (acute confusion) and more. This time, the physical therapy staff's activity was directed at volunteers and retirees, but walking, with or without Nordic poles, is healthy for body and spirit, and is highly recommended for everyone.

“At the end of the day," the physical therapy team concluded, "physical activity means health. We always wish people longevity and quality of life in good health, and Nordic walking is a fun way to achieve this and has guaranteed effects on body and spirit."