Gerontological Project Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

Gerontological Project - Research Paper Example Tertiary prevention goal involves creating realistic short and long-term goals for healthy weight loss with the active participation from the patient. For this patient, pain is an issue that will prevent her from engaging in any exercise regimen and thus it has to be dealt with first. Chronic pain occurs in 25 to 86% of the elderly population and leads to â€Å"falls, deconditioning, malnutrition, gait disturbances, and overall slow rehabilitation† (Herr, 2002). Managing pain is a multi-dimensional process that involves pharmacological and non-pharmacological management (Herr, 2002). According to Messier et. al (2004), a combination of exercise and weight loss resulted in improved physical activity and reduced pain in overweight elderly with knee osteoarthritis. The exercise program that this patient can safely participate in could involve exercise three days per week, which consists of â€Å"an aerobic phase (15 minutes), a resistance-training phase (15 minutes), a second ae robic phase (15 minutes), and a cool-down phase (15 minutes)† (Messier et. al, 2004). Motivation and a desire to change are key components in the initiation of and continuity in an exercise program.