Principles of rehabilitation of older people

Rehabilitation of older adults involves an active process, delivered through a coordinated multidisciplinary team approach, aiming to improve function and enable subjects to live their lives to the fullest potential. Frail, older adults are particularly vulnerable to functional decline as a result of illness and rehabilitation is an essential part of medical care for this population. The science of rehabilitation has developed considerably following the seminal work of pioneers such as Marjory Warren. Meta-analysis of the published rehabilitation research confirms the benefits of comprehensive multidisciplinary assessment and rehabilitation in frail or dependent older adults; when delivered in hospital, it improves physical function and reduces mortality, whereas in community settings it reduces the risk of care-home or hospital admission.