PHYSIOTHERAPIST`S ROLE IN WORKING WITH ELDERLY PEOPLE OUTSIDE OF INSTITUTIONAL CARE

Starenje i starost su pojmovi koje se trebaju razlikovati. Starenje je cjeloživotni prirodni proces s brojnim fiziološkim promjenama te u kojem organizam kvalitativno i kvantitativno propada. Dok starost predstavlja razvojno razdoblje u životu. Hrvatska je svrstana među države s vrlo starom populacijom, uz to javlja se i sve veća potreba za rješavanjem vrlo raznolikih problema vezanih uz stariju populaciju (65+). Veliki doprinos u rješavanju određenih zahtjeva predstavlja osnivanje gerontoloških centara. Na probleme starijih se orijentira i zdravstvena struka. Fizioterapeuti kao zdravstveni stručnjaci imaju velike mogućnost u radu sa starijim osobama. Naše djelovanje može biti uključeno u programe, od prevencije onesposobljenja, oštećenja ili oboljenja, poboljšanja ukupne kvalitete života starijih osoba, pa do samog liječenja i rehabilitacije.Aging and old age are terms which need to be differed. Aging is a lifelong natural process with numerous physiological changes and where the organism declines qualitatively and quantitatively. Old age represents a developmental period in life. Croatia is classified as a country with a very old population, and there is an increasing need to address a wide variety of problems related to the elderly population (65+). The establishment of gerontology centers is a major contribution to addressing specific requirements and needs. Healthcare system is also focused on every day problem of senior population. Physical therapists have a significant degree of options in working with the senior people. Our work can be included in different kind of programs; from prevention of degenerative problems, injuries and ailments, increasing overall life quality of seniors to the treatment and rehabilitation process