When defining objectives in the realm of senior care, two of the most paramount ones are ensuring a high quality of life and swift and complete recoveries from any surgeries that may be necessary. To this end, there is a concept known as “prehabilitation”, or, “prehab” for short, which has attracted a lot of attention for the potential it has to significantly improve surgical outcomes for seniors. But of course, it is necessary for you to know exactly what prehab is, and how it can be of benefit to older adults.
Prehabilitation is a proactive approach with a focus on preparing older adults and seniors both physically and emotionally before they ever set foot in the operating room. It is naturally different from rehabilitation, which is aid for recovery post surgery. Prehab sets the stage for a better, smoother recovery after surgery by enhancing the overall health of the senior patient, prior to their surgery. It can involve many things, such as physical exercise, adjustments in nutrition or medication, support with mental health, and any other number of things all tailored to the individual senior’s needs and upcoming surgical procedures.
The driving rationale behind prehabilitation is based on the reasoning that when individuals have better overall health and fitness, they will recover from their surgery faster, and with fewer complications post operation. By engaging in a regimen of prehabilitation, seniors can increase their strength, flexibility, and endurance, all of which will make their bodies hardier and more resilient to the stress they will undergo from the surgery and the subsequent recovery period. Prehabilitation that includes mental health support can also help to reduce anxiety felt about the upcoming procedure, which can improve the individual’s mindset and outlook as they get ready to have their surgery.
For seniors who are facing down an upcoming surgery, the integration of a prehabilitation plan into the preparations can be a real game changer. The first step before starting a prehabilitation plan is to consult with your health care team, which will include at the very least both your surgeon and your primary care provider. They can offer you guidance on what you’ll need to do, as well as draft you a plan that will provide the most benefit given your upcoming surgery and your overall health.
Prehabilitation will necessarily have some amount of focus on physical exercise, incorporating exercises with the intent to strengthen your body, particularly those areas that will be affected by the surgery. This might take the form of aerobic exercises geared towards boosting heart health, strength training to increase muscle mass, and flexibility work geared towards increasing range of motion. Make sure any exercise regimen is approved by your medical professionals.
Good nutrition will also play a role in your body’s ability to heal and recover, as well as your overall health. Make sure to focus on a well balanced diet that is rich in proteins, vitamins, and minerals. Consider consulting with a nutritionist to tailor your diet to best support your upcoming prehab goals.