Rehabilitation of the elderly cardiac patient

The goals of the rehabilitative approach in the elderly patient with cardiac disease include the preservation and maintenance of a level of physical functional capacity, strength, and coordination which will enable mobility and self-sufficiency; the sustenance, and reenforcement of mental functional integrity in terms of alertness, self-respect, and self-confidence; the prevention or limitation of anxiety and depression; and the encouragement of readjustment to family, community and society.