The consequences of immobility and bed rest in the elderly are multiple, severe, quick to develop and difficult to reverse. In the elderly with limited functional reserve, immobility may quickly lead to impairments in activities of daily life and disability. Misconceptions on indications and health consequences of bed rest are not uncommon both among health care professionals and in the society. Unfortunately our knowledge on health effects of bed rest as a treatment modality are based on a limited number of studies and there is a paucity of emphasis on the topic in the classical health care curriculum. However, health care workers need to be well-aware of diverse consequences of bed-rest and immobility so that they can actively participate in prevention and education of others. In this paper following a case presentation, we review consequences of bed rest and immobility and emphasize some important aspects in diagnosing the underlying problems, prevention and treatment of immobility.

Aged Immobility Bed rest