"A decline in physical activity may come with age due to muscle
loss, joint stiffness, fear of injury, worsening illness, or
depression. Residents who spend too much time in bed or a chair
may lose the ability to perform activities of daily living, like
eating, dressing, or getting to the bathroom." Why is this
important?: "Staying in a bed or chair affects the resident in
many ways. Unused muscles get weaker. It becomes difficult to
participate in physical and social activities. Sleep quality can
suffer. The risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, or blood
clots can increase. Depression and anxiety can worsen. Staying
in one position, and constant pressure on the skin can increase
the chance of pressure sores. It is important for residents to
be as active as possible." Taken from the Center for Medicaid
and Medicare Services: Nursing Home Information for Consumers