LA IMPORTANCIA DEL USO DE BASTON EN EL ADULTO MAYOR

Summary

In this informative video, Dr. Álvaro Cruz, a geriatrician and gerontologist, delves into the importance of mobility aids like canes and walkers for elderly individuals. He explains the primary functions of these devices—weight distribution, improving balance, and reducing fatigue—and highlights various types of canes, such as curved, straight, and multi-pointed models. The video also covers common conditions, like Alzheimer’s and arthritis, that may require the use of mobility aids. Additionally, Dr. Cruz emphasizes the proper use and adjustments of canes and walkers to ensure safety and comfort, providing valuable guidance for caregivers and seniors alike.

Takeaways

• 😀 The channel focuses on providing updated and relevant information about aging, elderly care, and related topics, offering insights for both seniors and those preparing for aging.
• 😀 Dr. Álvaro Cruz, a geriatrician and thanatologist, introduces the importance of practical and real-life information for elderly care.
• 😀 The concept of 'aging symbols' is explored, with an emphasis on how items like canes and walkers are associated with older adults.
• 😀 A personal story is shared about an elderly man, a former military sergeant, who initially refused to use a cane due to pride, highlighting the emotional resistance many feel toward using mobility aids.
• 😀 Canes serve three primary functions: distributing body weight, improving balance, and reducing pain/fatigue during walking.
• 😀 Different types of canes are described, including traditional curved canes, straight-handle canes, and those with additional features like grips or support structures.
• 😀 A four-point cane is introduced as an alternative for those needing more stability, offering extra support and balance compared to single-point canes.
• 😀 Common conditions that may necessitate the use of a cane include neurological diseases (e.g., Alzheimer's, Parkinson's), joint conditions (e.g., arthritis), circulatory issues (e.g., varicose veins), and muscle weakness (e.g., from depression or trauma).
• 😀 Proper cane usage includes ensuring the height is adjusted to the user's wrist level and using it on the opposite side of the body with pain (e.g., use the cane on the left side if the right leg hurts).
• 😀 The correct technique for using a cane involves advancing the cane and the affected leg simultaneously to maintain balance and reduce strain while walking.
• 😀 Different types of walkers are explained, noting that walkers with more wheels are suited for more mobile individuals, while those with fewer or no wheels are better for slower-moving patients.

Q & A

Why is the channel focused on issues related to aging and elderly care?

The channel provides updated and relevant information on aging, caregiving, grief, and related issues, aiming to help both elderly individuals and those preparing for aging in the future.

What is the role of the community in the channel 'Geriatría con Sentido'?

The community plays a crucial role by contributing personal experiences, which help the channel grow and provide more grounded and relevant information to everyone.

What symbol is commonly associated with elderly people, and why?

The cane is a common symbol associated with the elderly, often linked to images of older individuals in media, which are characterized by gray hair, glasses, and sometimes the use of a cane.

How does the story about the 90-year-old veteran highlight the resistance to using a cane?

The story illustrates a veteran's reluctance to use a cane due to pride and fear of judgment, despite the practical necessity for it due to his difficulty walking and risk of falling.

What are the primary functions of a cane for the elderly?

A cane helps reduce weight on joints, improve balance, and decrease fatigue and pain while walking, thereby providing more stability and making movement smoother.

What are the differences between the various types of canes mentioned in the script?

The script mentions several types of canes: the traditional curved cane, the straight-handled cane, and the multi-point canes (three or four points) that offer more stability and support, especially for those with balance issues.

Why is it recommended to use a straight-handled cane over a curved one?

The straight-handled cane provides better grip and support, as the handle design allows for a more secure and comfortable hold, reducing the risk of wrist injuries.

What types of diseases can make using a cane necessary?

Neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, joint diseases like arthritis, circulatory issues, and certain muscle-related conditions can impair mobility, necessitating the use of a cane.

What is the recommended height for adjusting a cane?

The height of the cane should be adjusted so that the handle is level with the user's wrist when standing upright, ensuring a natural arm angle of about 35 degrees to prevent strain.

How should a person properly use a cane while walking?

When using a cane, the user should hold it in the opposite hand of the affected leg, advance the cane and the affected leg simultaneously, followed by the healthy leg. This ensures a smoother and more stable walking motion.

What considerations should be taken when using a walker instead of a cane?

Walkers come in different types, with those having more wheels being suitable for more functional individuals and those with fewer or no wheels being better for slower walkers. Choosing the right walker is crucial for safety and mobility.