Maintaining
optimal health becomes even more important to our quality of life as we get
older. As we age, spinal discs, joints, ligaments, muscles and other physical
systems become weaker, more fibrous, less hydrated and less able to withstand
normal strain. The body becomes more vulnerable to injury and arthritis from
degenerative changes to the spine and neck. Chiropractic care is especially
important for aging adults to improve health and mobility. As the population
continues to age, there will be a growing need for the chiropractic profession
to meet the needs of this demographic.
By
the year 2030, it is expected that one in every five Americans will be age 65
or older. Today's seniors are more health conscious than ever before, and they
have the resources to maintain it. After financial security, quality of life is
their top priority. Chiropractic care can be an integral solution for retaining
mobility and independence. While most take some combination of prescribed
drugs, many are increasingly seeking non-invasive approaches to optimizing
health. Chiropractic care features minimal intervention, reducing the need for
costly hospitalization and potentially dangerous and disruptive medications.
The gentle, safe and effective techniques provided by chiropractors are
particularly reassuring to this age group.
Practitioners
interested in developing their career in chiropractic should work on expanding
their patient mix by creating relationships with older adults. This can be
accomplished by making the effort to talk to the children of their older
patients, sharing insights and developing the trust necessary to promote client
relationships. Another way of developing relationships with older clients is
conducting short presentations for senior communities and clubs, helping to
clarify the benefits of chiropractic while resolving potential misperceptions.
Creating and nurturing relationships with other healthcare professionals will
help to expand a support network, providing mutual benefits.
The
skills learned in chiropractic college can help this demographic of patients
manage or eliminate acute and chronic pain, increase flexibility, restore
balance and postural alignment, de-stress and tune the nervous system, as well
as enhance general well-being. Gentle adjusting techniques are used to help
restore and maintain function so seniors can reach their highest potential.
Chiropractic
care is far more than pain relief. Restoring the function of the nervous system
through adjustments can help reduce the risk of falls and improve balance and
coordination. Students pursuing a chiropractic career should make these
benefits clear when assisting older patients.
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