Disorders that require rehabilitation (such as stroke, heart attacks, hip fracture, and limb amputation) are common among older people. However, older people may have characteristics that make rehabilitation challenging, such as

• Being physically inactive

• Having weak muscles (including the heart muscle)

• Lacking endurance

• Being depressed or having dementia

• Having problems with balance, coordination, or agility.

• Having stiff joints

Nonetheless, age alone is not a reason to postpone or deny rehabilitation.

Older people may recover more slowly. Consequently, programs designed specifically for older people are preferable. Older people often have different goals and need different types of care than do younger people. When older people are in programs designed for them, they are less likely to compare their progress with that of younger people and to become discouraged.