Keywords
nurse-driven; exercise; older adults; mobility; hospitalization
Abstract
The aging population in the United States is increasing in proportion, yet older adults' physical activity levels have not increased much. The lack of physical activity leads to numerous health complications, such as an increased risk for cardiovascular disease, increased risk for falls and fractures, as well as lead to obesity and diabetes. Unfortunately, few healthcare facilities monitor or audit physical activity. Older adults are frequently placed on fall risk precautions, which heavily encourages a sedentary hospital stay. This commonly leads to older adults with declining abilities to accomplish their activities of daily living (ADLs) after hospitalization. Nurses, spending the most time at the bedside, should take the initiative to help encourage and support their patients in daily ambulation and physical activity. A literature review of studies published between 2020-2025 found from various online databases shows that not only is the implementation of nurse-driven activity interventions feasible, but it also shows to have numerous benefits for the aging population, including an increase in quality of life, better disease management, a decrease in additional health risk factors, as well as an increase in confidence, independence, and safety. This literature review hopes to analyze the information currently available to have a better understanding as to why the implementation of nurse-driven mobility interventions has not gone through widespread adoption.
Thesis Completion Year
2025
Thesis Completion Semester
Spring
Thesis Chair
Houston, Amanda
College
College of Nursing
Department
Nursing Practice
Thesis Discipline
Nursing
Language
English
Access Status
Open Access
Length of Campus Access
None
Campus Location
UCF Daytona Beach
STARS Citation
Carruba, Kaitlyn P., "The Effects of Nurse-Led Physical Activity on the Aging Population" (2025). Honors Undergraduate Theses. 334.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/hut2024/334
Rights Statement
