In a recent news update, I came across a brief article discussing the notion of ‘physical literacy’. This brought to mind Sport England’s initiative in September 2023, during which they unveiled their consensus statement on physical literacy for England. This, in turn, has prompted me to explore physical literacy in this post, and how it could be applied to residents in care homes.

What is physical literacy?

The International Physical Literacy Association (IPLA) defines it as the “motivation, confidence, physical competence, knowledge, and understanding to value and take responsibility for engagement in physical activities for life”.

• Motivation and confidence: This refers to an individual’s enthusiasm for, enjoyment of, and self-assurance in adopting physical activity as an integral part of life.
• Physical competence: This refers to an individual’s ability to develop fundamental movement skills and patterns, such as running, jumping, throwing, and catching, which form the building blocks for more complex and specialised activities later in life.
• Knowledge and understanding: This includes the ability to identify and express the essential qualities that influence movement, understand the health benefits of an active lifestyle, and appreciate appropriate safety features associated with physical activity in a variety of settings and physical environments.
• Engagement in physical activities for life: This refers to an individual taking personal responsibility for physical literacy by freely choosing to be active on a regular basis.

Sport England created this image to summarise their approach to physical literacy. Follow the link below to access their information and resources.

Why is it important?

The importance of physical literacy lies in its capacity to empower individuals to lead active and healthy lifestyles. A physically literate person not only possesses the physical skills required for various activities but also understands the principles of movement and the benefits associated with regular physical activity. This understanding allows individuals to make informed choices about their health and well-being.

One key aspect of physical literacy is its role in combating sedentary behaviour, which has become a prevalent concern in contemporary society. With the rise of technology and sedentary occupations, many individuals lead increasingly inactive lives. Physical literacy addresses this issue by promoting a diverse range of physical activities, from organised sports to recreational pursuits, and encouraging individuals to find enjoyment in movement.

Early development of physical literacy is particularly critical. Children who acquire fundamental movement skills during their formative years are more likely to engage in physical activities as they grow older. This not only contributes to physical health but also positively influences cognitive and social development. Educational settings play a pivotal role in fostering physical literacy by incorporating movement-based learning activities into curricula.

Furthermore, physical literacy is a lifelong journey. It is not confined to specific age groups but evolves and adapts throughout an individual’s life. Cultivating physical literacy in adulthood and older age contributes to healthy aging, maintaining mobility, and reducing the risk of chronic diseases associated with a sedentary lifestyle.

What can care workers do to promote physical literacy in care homes?

Care workers assume a pivotal role in supporting older adults residing in care homes to cultivate and sustain their physical literacy. The following outlines various strategies through which care workers can actively contribute to this objective. Recognising the challenges of workload, budget constraints, and organisational restrictions, the suggested strategies aim to be cost-effective and feasible within the typical scope of care practices.

1. Individualised assessments:
   • Conduct comprehensive assessments of resident’s physical abilities, limitations, and preferences.
   • Collaborate with healthcare professionals to gather insights into specific health considerations that may impact physical activity.
2. Personalised care plans:
   • Work with residents and their families to create personalised care plans that include tailored physical activity goals.
   • Ensure that care plans consider individual needs, such as mobility challenges, medical conditions, and cognitive abilities.
   • Focus on incorporating a variety of activities/exercises that address different components of physical literacy, such as balance, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness.
3. Encourage daily movement:
   • Integrate simple and achievable daily movement schedules into the residents’ routines, such as seated exercises, gentle stretches, or short walks.
   • Emphasise the importance of regular movement for maintaining mobility and preventing stiffness.
   • Provide prompts and encouragement to participate in these activities regularly.
4. Facilitate social activities:
   • Organise group activities that promote social interaction while incorporating physical elements.
   • Activities like group walks, chair-based exercises, or light dance sessions can enhance both physical and social well-being.
5. Provide clear instructions:
   • Clearly communicate instructions for physical activities, ensuring that residents understand and feel confident in performing them.
   • Use visual aids or demonstrations to assist those with different learning preferences or cognitive challenges.
   • Ensure the safety of residents by providing supervision during physical activities and offering assistance when needed.
6. Promote independence:
   • Encourage residents to engage in activities that enhance their independence, such as dressing themselves, transferring from sitting to standing, or using assistive devices when needed.
   • Incorporate functional exercises that mimic daily tasks to improve overall functional capacity.
   • Foster a sense of autonomy in decision-making regarding physical activities.
7. Adapt activities as needed:
   • Modify physical activities based on individual capabilities and limitations.
   • Be adaptable and creative in tailoring exercises to accommodate varying levels of mobility and cognitive function.
   • Regularly reassess and adjust exercise plans to ensure they remain suitable and effective.
8. Utilise adaptive equipment:
   • Make use of adaptive exercise equipment that accommodates the varying abilities and needs of older adults.
   • Ensure that residents have access to any assistive devices, such as walking aids, required for safe participation.
9. Celebrate achievements:
   • Acknowledge and celebrate residents’ efforts and achievements in improving physical literacy.
   • Recognise milestones and progress to boost residents’ motivation and confidence.
   • Create a positive and supportive environment that motivates residents to continue engaging in physical activities.
10. Collaboration with healthcare professionals:
• • Work collaboratively with physiotherapists, occupational therapists, and other healthcare professionals to align physical activity plans with residents’ overall care plans.
  • Implement recommendations from healthcare providers into the daily care routine.
  • Seek guidance on adapting activities for residents with specific health conditions.

By implementing these strategies, care workers can contribute significantly to the development and maintenance of physical literacy in older adults residing in care homes, promoting their overall well-being and enhancing their quality of life.

Links:
Sport England’s physical literacy consensus statement for England and more information
The International Physical Literacy Association website
A systematic review on physical literacy interventions
An interesting article on developing physical literacy in older adults
A website with information and resources on physical literacy