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EXERCISE
for
FRAIL ELDERS
•
Second Edition
Human Kinetics
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Best-Martini, Elizabeth, 1948-
Exercise for frail elders / Elizabeth Best-Martini, Kim A. Jones-DiGenova. -- 2nd ed.
p. ; cm.
Includes bibliographical references and index.
I. Botenhagen-DiGenova, Kim A., 1957- II. Title.
[DNLM: 1. Exercise Therapy. 2. Frail Elderly. 3. Aged. WB 541]
RC953.8.E93
613.7'0446--dc23
2013003909
ISBN-10: 1-4504-1609-8
ISBN-13: 978-1-4504-1609-2
Copyright © 2014 by Elizabeth Best-Martini and Kim A. Jones-DiGenova
Copyright © 2003 by Elizabeth Best-Martini and Kim A. Botenhagen-DiGenova
All rights reserved. Except for use in a review, the reproduction or utilization of this work in any form or by any electronic,
mechanical, or other means, now known or hereafter invented, including xerography, photocopying, and recording, and in
any information storage and retrieval system, is forbidden without the written permission of the publisher.
Notice: Permission to reproduce the following material is granted to instructors and agencies who have purchased Exercise
for Frail Elders, Second Edition: pp. 8, 19-31, 41-43, 46, 47, 62, 66, 79, 87, 96, 98-99, 101-104, 139-141, 146, 147, 154, 180-
181, 185, 192, 221, 225, 230, 233, 235-237, 271, 280-286, 288-295. The reproduction of other parts of this book is expressly
forbidden by the above copyright notice. Persons or agencies who have not purchased Exercise for Frail Elders, Second Edition,
may not reproduce any material.
The web addresses cited in this text were current as of August 2013, unless otherwise noted.
Acquisitions Editor: Amy N. Tocco; Developmental Editor: Christine M. Drews; Assistant Editors: Casey A. Gentis
and Amy Akin; Copyeditor: Bob Replinger; Indexer: Bobbi Swanson; Permissions Manager: Dalene Reeder; Graphic
Designer: Fred Starbird; Graphic Artist: Dawn Sills; Cover Designer: Keith Blomberg; Photograph (cover): Neil Bernstein;
photograph © Human Kinetics; Photographs (interior): Neil Bernstein; photographs © Human Kinetics; Visual Produc-
tion Assistant: Joyce Brumfield; Photo Production Manager: Jason Allen; Art Manager: Kelly Hendren; Associate Art
Manager: Alan L. Wilborn; Illustrations: © Human Kinetics, unless otherwise noted; Printer: Sheridan Books
We thank Long Life Living in San Rafael, California, for assistance in providing the location for the photo shoot for this book.
On the cover: Bill Bromley, age 92, demonstrating balance and core work with a ball.
Printed in the United States of America 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
The paper in this book is certified under a sustainable forestry program.
Human Kinetics
Website: www.HumanKinetics.com
United States: Human Kinetics Australia: Human Kinetics
P.O. Box 5076 57A Price Avenue
Champaign, IL 61825-5076 Lower Mitcham, South Australia 5062
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Europe: Human Kinetics
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Leeds LS28 6AT, United Kingdom
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e-mail: hk@hkeurope.com E5545
To my dearest husband, John A. Martini, whose love for me and
recognition of the importance of my work have been immeasurable
gifts. As a well-known author yourself, you understand this pro-
cess, and you have helped me with editing, photography, graphics,
and most of all, support. Thank you for being you and loving me.
To my mom, Peggy. Every time I look at your smiling face in one
of the exercise photographs, I can hear your laugh and feel your
love and presence.
And a special dedication to all the elderly people who have
touched my life and work. You are at the heart of this book.
Betsy Best-Martini
iv
Contents • v
Chapter 7 Cool-Down:
Stretching and Relaxation Exercises. . . . . . . . . 219
Safety Precautions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 220
Guidelines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 224
Basic Seated Cool-Down Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 232
Basic Standing Cool-Down Exercises . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 237
Variations and Progression . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Summary. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 238
Review Questions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 239
Illustrated Instruction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 240
Emergencies p. 43
Balance, Core, and Agility Training p. 48
Three-Step Instructional Process p. 71
Good Seated Posture p. 96
Three-Part Deep-Breathing p. 98
Good Standing Posture p. 104
Progressing Your Exercise Class p. 273
vii
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Preface
ix
x • Preface
will also learn about the wellness model, which new section on balance, core, and agility train-
includes physical activity. This chapter provides ing, including user-friendly tables for balance
a foundation for integrating balance, core, and and core (a key contributor of balance abil-
agility exercises into your program. Chapter 3 ity) exercises. Many of the exercises included
walks you through steps and strategies needed in part II of this book provide balance ben-
to be a successful leader. Part II, “Implementing efits by increasing joint range of motion with
an Exercise Program for Frail Elders and Adults ROM and stretching exercises (chapters 4),
With Special Needs,” provides warm-up (good by strengthening the muscles with resistance
posture, deep breathing, joint range of motion, training (chapter 5), by increasing flexibility
and light stretching), resistance training, aero- with stretching (chapter 7), and by improv-
bic and dynamic balance (chapter 6, by Janie ing posture (chapter 4). Seated exercises can
Clark), and cool-down exercises (comprehen- give frail and deconditioned participants the
sive stretching and relaxation). Each exercise strength and flexibility to stand to gain further
component in chapters 4 through 7 has an balance benefits. Also, the standing exercises
easy-reference chart and photographs of the that involve a one-legged stand for static bal-
exercises. Each chapter also includes safety ance benefits are now indicated in the variation
precautions, guidelines, seated and stand- and progression sections in chapters 4 through
ing exercises, and variations and progression 7. Lastly, in chapter 6, you will find additional
options for the exercises to meet the diverse fun and functional dynamic balance exercises.
needs of this population through the years. The exercises in part II that provide more
Although part II of the book is geared toward significant balance benefits are indicated
class or group instruction, the information with a balance symbol.
is also applicable when working one on one In chapter 8 you will learn about putting it
with this population. Thus, the terms student, all together to implement an exercise session
resident, client, and patient can be used inter- or program that incorporates one or more
changeably with participant, and session and components—warm-up, resistance, aerobic
appointment can be used interchangeably with and dynamic balance, and cool-down exer-
class, which is used throughout part II. cises—from chapters 4 through 7. You will
Start with the basic seated exercises in chap- also learn how to design, schedule, modify,
ters 4 through 7, which are intended to help progress, maintain, and monitor a functional
frail elders and those with special needs have fitness program for frail elders and adults with
a successful experience in your class. Through- special needs. Chapter 8 also has a new sec-
out chapters 4 through 7 you’ll learn tools for tion on the balance component to aid you in
adapting the exercises for your participants’ designing an exercise class that includes or
individual needs, particularly in the sections focuses on balance.
“Specific Safety Precautions for Those With In the back of the book are appendices that
Special Needs” and “Illustrated Instruction,” provide you with necessary and useful forms,
which includes exercise and safety tips and educational handouts, answers to the review
variations and progression options (VPOs) for questions, and other information to help make
each exercise. Carefully progress to the basic your role as fitness leader easier. In “Suggested
standing exercises with participants who are Resources” you will find a new section, “Bal-
able to stand safely. The seated and stand- ance,” that lists books and supplies for devel-
ing exercises are designed to be taught at the oping a class that includes or concentrates on
same time, which allows you to accommodate balance. We encourage you to use “Suggested
people with a wide variety of special needs. Resources” to enhance your knowledge base
The second edition of Exercise for Frail Elders and embrace life-long learning.
provides a broader focus on balance, a critical It is our sincere hope that this book will
component of a functional fitness program for enhance your competence and confidence in
reducing risk of falling and improving quality meeting the special needs of people in your
of life for older adults. Chapter 2 includes a exercise classes.
Acknowledgments
xi
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Part I
Planning a Successful
Exercise Program for Frail Elders
and Adults With Special Needs
1
2 • Exercise for Frail Elders
individual needs of your participants. You core stability, agility, and fall prevention with
will also learn about specific medications and corresponding exercises and references. Care-
how they can affect participation. The charts ful attention to exercise program components
in chapter 1 identify characteristics of people helps the fitness leader design a motivating,
with common medical disorders and special safe, and effective program.
needs and give you easy-to-use teaching tips Chapter 3 is about you, the fitness leader,
for exercise and safety. and the leadership and strategies that you can
Chapter 2 explains ways to make the exer- use to lead a motivating, safe, and effective (fun
cise program motivating, safe, and effective and functional) program. We start by address-
with current industry standards. Your initial ing the social environment and mood of the
goal as the fitness leader is to keep participants class (including challenging behaviors) and
coming to class and becoming more physically some typical group goals. The next sections of
active, so we start by addressing wellness and the chapter take you through opening, leading,
motivation. The focus then moves from moti- and closing the exercise class. Included in this
vation to safety issues (including medical clear- chapter are successful strategies for teaching
ance, assessments, and safety guidelines), as participants who are experiencing commu-
well as physical function levels. Responding to nication, cognitive, and sensory losses. The
a participant’s needs such as relieving pain and finishing touches of the exercise class, beyond
ensuring safety while teaching a large group leading the class, include your feedback to
are addressed. The emphasis then moves to participants and all aspects of organizing sup-
effectiveness. In addition, we focus on balance, plies and space.
CHAPTER
1
The Participants:
Know Their Individual Needs
People say that what we’re all seeking is a meaning to life. I think what
we’re seeking is an experience of being alive, so that our life experiences
on the purely physical plane will have resonances within our own innermost
being and reality, so that we actually feel the rapture of being alive.
•
—Joseph Campbell
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After completing this chapter, you will have the tools to
• recognize characteristics and exercise and safety tips for 15
common medical disorders and special needs in the frail
elderly as well as all adults,
• define gerokinesiology,
• identify the nine modules of the international curriculum
guidelines for preparing physical activity instructors with
older adults,
• understand main side effects of specific medications com-
monly used by older adults, and
• modify specific exercises to address individual special needs.
3
4 • Exercise for Frail Elders
To meet this challenge, you need to understand Exercise for Frail Elders meets all recommended
common medical disorders and their implica- areas.
tions. This chapter covers specific diagnostic Before we identify the specific special needs
areas that are relevant to your work with frail areas and their implications for exercise, let’s
elders and adults with special needs. With an start with an examination of the terms frail
understanding of these medical issues, you will and special needs.
be prepared to teach exercise to participants
with diverse medical needs. In addition, you FRAILTY AND SPECIAL
will be able to recommend safe exercise tech-
niques for individual participants according to
NEEDS IN OLDER ADULTS
their medical conditions and needs. What age is “old” to you? We each answer
Gerokinesiology is a term that was coined in this question according to our own experi-
2004 by Ecclestone and Jones in the Journal of ence with family members and with older
Aging and Physical Activity. This definition was people and the way in which we see ourselves
part of the move to identify specific content physically. In past years, “old” was defined by
areas thought significant to include in stan- chronological age. Chronological age used to be
dardizing entry-level training for the specialty more relevant because life expectancies were
of fitness programs for older adults: far shorter than they are today. A man of 40
in the 1800s may have been considered old.
Gerokinesiology is a specialized area
Today, an 80-year-old man may water-ski and
of study within the larger discipline of
be physically active.
kinesiology that focuses on understand-
Many of us will probably live into our 70s,
ing how physical activity influences all
80s, 90s, or 100s. In 2008, an estimated 39
aspects of health and well-being in the
million people—13 percent of the population—
older adult population and the aging
were age 65 or older. By 2030, 20 percent of
process in general.
Americans—about 72 million people—will
The International Curriculum Guidelines have passed their 65th birthday. The fastest
for Preparing Physical Activity Instructors of growing segment of the older population is
Older Adults comprises nine recommended people aged 85 and older (Ecclestone and
training modules: Jones 2004).
Have you ever heard the term old-old or older-
1. Overview of aging and physical activity old? These terms were created to differentiate
2. Psychological, sociocultural, and physi- between younger and older old people. We
ological aspects of physical activity and need this distinction because people are living
older adults much longer. If a 65-year-old is old, then what
3. Screening, assessment, and goal setting should we call an 80-year-old? Old-old refers
4. Program design and management to the older segment of the older generation,
but it really comes down to the individual.
5. Program design for older adults with Many 80-year-olds today bicycle, play tennis,
stable medical conditions or engage in other demanding activities. Many
6. Teaching skills of them are still quite active.
7. Leadership, communication, and market- Thus, what is important is how we feel at
ing skills an older chronological age and how well we
8. Client safety and first aid can function physically, mentally, and emo-
tionally (referred to as functional status). A
9. Ethics and professional conduct
direct relationship is usually found between an
The complete guidelines can be found at individual’s functional status, health and well-
www.tinyurl.com/HKolderadultsguidelines or ness, and quality of life. However, the World
www.tinyurl.com/ASFAcurriculumguidelines. Health Organization (WHO 2013) defines
The Participants: Know Their Individual Needs • 5
health as “the state of complete mental, physi- cally frail but are not. Looks can be deceiving.
cal and social well-being, and not merely the Function is what determines level of frailty. The
absence of disease or infirmity.” This definition possibility that you may misidentify an elderly
is important because it addresses the fact that person who is not frail as frail is one of the
health and well-being can be experienced even many challenges in leading exercise programs
while living with chronic disorders and other for older adults.
health issues. The term frail elders combines the ideas of
An individual’s functional status is a major advanced age and frailty. Normally, the term
determinant of successful aging. As physi- refers to very old people who have difficulties
cal function declines, a person can begin to performing activities of daily living without
become frail. Let’s look more closely at the assistance from others. This term includes
term frail. added complexities. A person with a chronic
disorder such as arthritis might be considered
What Is Frailty? frail because of another complicating factor,
such as emphysema. The combined limitations
Frail is a term that can describe anyone, young
from the two disorders may contribute to the
or old. Refer to table 1.1 for common medical
frail condition.
disorders and special needs that contribute to
You should know that not all frailty is
frailty. Frailty is not as much a definition as it
chronic or long term. Some people find them-
is a syndrome of signs and symptoms. Some
selves in a frail state because of surgery or
of the factors creating and affecting this frailty
illness. When they recover, the frailty may
syndrome can include physical inactivity,
decrease or disappear.
nutritional status, cognitive and psychological
People may also decrease frailty by increas-
conditions, preexisting chronic disorders, and
ing their physical activity. Research has veri-
aging (Signorile 2011).
fied that exercise improves muscle strength,
The causes of frailty vary among people.
balance, coordination, and cardiovascular
Commonly identified causes of frailty include
fitness in even the most frail and elderly par-
the following:
ticipants (Fiatarone et al. 1994). Resistance
• A medical condition training in particular has proven to be espe-
• A loss of one or more senses cially beneficial with deconditioned (not in
strong or good physical condition caused by a
• A chronic disorder
sedentary lifestyle) elderly people (American
• A chronic disorder along with a new College of Sports Medicine 2009b). Skeletal
medical diagnosis muscle weakness places a person at higher
• Adverse changes in the musculoskeletal risk of falls. These falls can lead to fractured
system bones and hospitalization. Strengthening and
• Psychological issues stretching exercises (particularly specific bal-
ance exercises) help maintain balance and
• Sarcopenia (loss of muscle mass)
range of motion and are recommended in
• Very old age many fall-prevention studies.
• Nutritional imbalances Fatigue is another area that may contribute
• Intellectual disabilities to the perception of a person as frail. Older
• Physical inactivity adults tell us often that they are fatigued and
do not have the energy to exercise or complete
Frailty is normally related to a combination specific activities of daily living. In assessing an
of circumstances that leaves a person unable individual, you should consider all these factors
to accomplish normal activities of independent and then go through a process of elimination
daily living. Some people in your exercise (all the things that are not affecting func-
group who are quite elderly may appear physi- tion and energy level). Many of the common
6 • Exercise for Frail Elders
disorders reviewed in this chapter can affect Anyone, young or old, can have special
energy and create a sense of fatigue. needs. A special need can be temporary or
The 2010 Surgeon General’s Vision for a Healthy permanent. The term special indicates that the
and Fit Nation encourages even moderate exer- fitness leader needs to know what an individ-
cise to help frail people recapture lost function, ual’s disorder or limitation is before initiating
functional independence, health, and well- an exercise program for that person. This large
being (USDHHS 2010b). Your exercise class is category of special needs includes a vast array
profoundly important to this group. of individual needs from a variety of causes.
Some special needs are related to
What Are Special Needs?
• a medical disorder,
A participant may have one or more special
• sensory losses (vision loss, loss of hear-
needs that, when combined, create a frail state.
ing, loss of touch),
For example, a participant in your group may
be frail because of her age of 98 years and her • communication difficulties (including
poor overall physical condition. Seated next to aphasia [the loss of or decline in the abil-
her may be a man in his 60s with special needs ity to speak, understand, read, or write]
related to a diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease. and language barriers [not speaking the
He is an older adult with special needs, but language of the predominant culture]),
he is 30 years younger than the frail 98-year- • cognitive losses,
old is. You could not call this man frail, even • a sedentary lifestyle, or
though he has some special needs. Seated next • sarcopenia.
to these two people may be a younger woman
who is frail and has special needs, both related A special need may be for
to a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis. Figure 1.1
• specific medical equipment (e.g., oxygen,
helps visually distinguish these conditions and
IV),
individual needs.
Figure 1.1 These three participants capture the terms frail and special needs because
of advanced age, mobility issues, declining physical function, Parkinson’s disease,
diabetes, hypertension, cancer, and cardiac issues.
The Participants: Know Their Individual Needs • 7
WHERE TO LOCATE.
If apiculture is an avocation, then your location will be fixed by
your principal business or profession. And here I may state, that if
we may judge from reports which come from nearly every section of
the United States, from Maine to Texas, and from Florida to Oregon,
you can hardly go amiss anywhere in our goodly land.
If you are to engage as a specialist, then you can select first with
reference to society and climate, after which it will be well to secure
a succession of natural honey-plants (Chap. XVI.), by virtue of your
locality. It will also be well to look for reasonable prospects of a good
home market, as good home markets are, and must ever be, the
most desirable. It will be desirable, too, that your neighborhood is not
overstocked with bees. It is a well-established fact, that apiarists with
few colonies receive relatively larger profits than those with large
apiaries. While this may be owing in part to better care, much
doubtless depends on the fact that there is not an undue proportion
of bees to the number of honey-plants, and consequent secretion of
nectar. To have the undisputed monopoly of an area reaching at
least four miles in every direction from your apiary, is unquestionably
a great advantage.
If you desire to begin two kinds of business, so that your dangers
from possible misfortune may be lessened, then a small farm—
especially a fruit farm—in some locality where fruit-raising is
successfully practiced, will be very desirable. You thus add others of
the luxuries of life to the products of your business, and at the same
time may create additional pasturage for your bees by simply
attending to your other business. In this case, your location becomes
a more complex matter, and will demand still greater thought and
attention. Some of Michigan's most successful apiarists are also
noted as successful pomologists.
For position and arrangement of apiary see Chapter VI.
CHAPTER V.
HIVES AND BOXES
BOX-HIVES.
I feel free to say that no person who reads, thinks, and studies—
and success in apiculture can be promised to no other—will ever be
content to use the old box-hives. In fact, thought and intelligence,
which imply an eagerness to investigate, are essential elements in
the apiarist's character. And to such an one a box-hive would be
valued just in proportion to the amount of kindling-wood it contained.
A very serious fault with one of our principal bee-books, which
otherwise is mainly excellent in subject matter and treatment, is the
fact that it presumes its readers to be box-hive men. As well make
emperors, kings, and chivalry the basis of good government, in an
essay written for American readers. I shall entirely ignore box-hives
in the following discussions, for I believe no sensible, intelligent
apiarists, such as read books, will tolerate them, and that, supposing
they would, it would be an expensive mistake, which I have no right
to encourage, in fact, am bound to discourage, not only for the
benefit of individuals, but also for the art itself.
To be sure of success, the apiarist must be able to inspect the
whole interior of the hive at his pleasure, must be able to exchange
combs from one hive to another, to regulate the movements of the
'bees: by destroying queen-cells, by giving or withholding drone-
comb, by extracting the honey, by introducing queens, and by many
other manipulations to be explained, which are only practicable with
a movable-frame hive.
MOVABLE-COMB HIVES.
There are, at present, two types of the movable-comb hive in use
among us, each of which is unquestionably valuable, as each has
advocates among our most intelligent, successful and extensive
apiarists. Each, too, has been superseded by the other, to the
satisfaction of the person making the change. The kind most used
consists of a box, in which hang the frames which hold the combs.
The adjacent frames are so far separated that the combs, which just
fill them, shall be the proper distance apart. In the other kind, the
frames are wider than the comb, and when in position are close
together, and of themselves form two sides of a box. When in use,
these frames are surrounded by a second box, without a bottom,
which, with them, rests on a bottom board. Each of these kinds is
represented by various forms, sizes, etc., where the details are
varied to suit the apiarist's notion. Yet, I believe that all hives in
present use, worthy of recommendation, fall within one or the other
of the above named types.
This (Fig, 29) is the hive most in use among Americans and
Britons, if not among all who practice improved apiculture. It is stated
that the late Major Munn was first to invent this style of hive. He
states (see Bevan, p. 37) that he first used it in 1834. But, as
suggested by Neighbour in his valuable hand-book, the invention
was of no avail to apiarists, as it was either unknown, or else ignored
by practical men. This invention also originated independently with
Rev. L. L. Langstroth, who brought it forth in 1851, so perfect, that it
needed scarce any improvement; and for this gift, as well as his able
researches in apiculture, as given in his invaluable book, "The
Honey-Bee," he has conferred a benefit upon our art which cannot
be over-estimated, and for which we, as apiarists, cannot be too
grateful. It was his book—one of my old teachers, for which I have
no word of chiding—that led me to some of the most delightful
investigations of my life. It was his invention—the Langstroth hive—
that enabled me to make those investigations. For one, I shall
always revere the name of Langstroth, as a great leader in scientific
apiculture, both in America and throughout the world. His name must
ever stand beside that of Dzierzon and the elder Huber. Surely this
hive, which left the hands of the great master in so perfect a form,
that even the details remain unchanged by many of our first bee-
keepers, should ever bear his name. Thus, though I prefer and use
the size of frame first used, I believe, by Mr. Gallup, still I use the
Langstroth hive. (See Appendix, page 287).
Fig. 29.
Fig. 30
The rabbet may equal a little more than one-half the thickness of
the board. Heavy tin strips (Fig, 33), three-fourths of an inch wide,
should be tacked to the side below the rabbet, so as to reach one-
fourth of an inch above the shoulder. These are to bear the frames,
and are convenient, as they prevent the frames from becoming glued
to the hive. We are thus able to loosen the frames without jarring the
bees. I would not have hives without such tin rabbets, though some
apiarists, among whom is Mr. James Heddon, of this State, whose
rank as a successful apiarist is very high, do not like them. The
objection to them is cost, and liability of the frames to move when the
hive is moved. But with their use we are not compelled to pry the
frames loose, and are not so likely to irritate the bees, while making
an examination of the contents of the hive, which arguments are
conclusive with me.
Any one who is not a skilled mechanic, especially if he has not a
buzz-saw, had better join the sides of his hives after the style of
making common dry-goods boxes (Fig, 30). In this case, the sides
not rabbeted should project by, else the corners will have to be
stopped up where they were rabbeted.
Fig. 31.
Bevel-Gauge.
The mechanic may prefer to bevel the ends of the boards, and
unite them by a miter-joint (Fig, 33). This looks a little better,
otherwise is not superior to the other method. It is difficult to form
accurate joints—and as everything about the hive should be
accurate and uniform—this style is not to be recommended to the
general apiarist. To miter with a hand-saw unless one is very skillful,
requires a perfect miter-box, and, even then, much care is required
to secure perfect joints. With a buzz-saw this is easier. We have only
to make a carrier as follows: Take two boards (Fig, 31. a, b), each
one foot in length, and dove-tail them together, as though with two
others you meant to make a square box. Be sure that they form a
perfect right-angle. Then bevel the ends opposite the angle, and
unite these with a third board (Fig, 31, c), firmly nailed to the others.
We thus have a triangular pyramid. Through one of the shorter faces
make longitudinal slits (Fig, 31, d), so that this can be bolted firmly to
the saw-table. In use, the longer face will reach the saw, and from
thence will slant up and back. Along the back edge of this a narrow
board (Fig, 31, e) should be nailed, which will project an inch above
it. This will keep the board to be beveled in line with the carrier, and
will retain the right angles. Of course the boards for the hive must be
perfect rectangles, and of just the right length and width, before the
bevels are cut.
Such a carrier (Fig, 31) I ordered for my Barnes' saw, from a
cabinet-maker. It was made of hard wood, all three joints dove-tailed,
and nicely finished, at a cost of $1.50.
In sawing the ends and sides of the hive, whether by hand or with
a buzz-saw, use should be made of a guide, so that perfect
uniformity will be secured.
Fig. 32.
For an opening to the hive (Fig, 32, c), I would bevel the middle
of the edge of the bottom board, next to the inclined board. At the
edge, this bevel should be three-quarters of an inch deep and four
inches wide. It may decrease in both width and depth as it runs back,
till at a distance of four inches, it is one-half an inch wide and five
thirty-seconds of an inch deep. This may terminate the opening,
though the shoulder at the end may be beveled off, if desired.
With this bottom board the bees are near the ground, and with
the slanting board in front, even the most tired and heavily-laden will
not fail to gain the hive, as they come in with their load of stores. In
spring, too, many bees are saved, as they come in on windy days,
by low hives and an alighting-board. No hive should be more than
four inches from the ground, and no hive should be without the
slanting alighting-board. With this opening, too, the entrance can be
contracted in case of robbing, or entirely closed when desired, by
simply moving the hive back.
Some apiarists cut an opening in the side of the hive, and
regulate the size by tin slides or triangular blocks (Fig, 29); others
form an opening by sliding the hive forward beyond the bottom board
—which I would do with the above in hot weather when storing was
very rapid—but for simplicity, cheapness and convenience, I have
yet to see an opening superior to the above. I think, too, I am a
competent judge, as I have at least a half-dozen styles in present
use.
I strongly urge, too, that only this one opening be used. Auger
holes about the hive, and entrances on two sides, are worse than
useless. By enlarging this opening, we secure ample ventilation,
even in sultry August, and when we contract the entrance, no bees
are lost by finding the usual door closed.
Some of our best bee-keepers, as Messrs. Heddon, Baldridge,
etc., prefer that the bottom board be nailed to the hive (Fig, 39). I
have such hives; have had for years, but strongly object to them.
They will not permit a quick clearing of the bottom board, when we
give a cleansing flight in winter, or when we commence operations in
spring, which, especially if there is a quart or more of dead bees, is
very desirable. Nor with their use can we contract the opening in cold
weather, or to stop robbing, without the blocks (Fig, 29), tins or other
traps. Simplicity should be the motto in hive-making. The arguments
in favor of such fastening are: Convenience in moving colonies, and
in feeding, as we have not to fasten the bottoms when we desire to
ship our bees, and to feed we have only to pour our liquids into the
hives.
Of course, such points are not essential—only matters of
convenience. Let each one decide for himself, which experience will
enable him to do.
The cover (Fig, 33, a) should be about six inches high, and like
the lid of a trunk. The length and breadth may be the same as the
body of the hive, and fit on with beveled edges (Fig, 33), the body
having the outer edge beveled, and the cover the inner. If we thus
join the cover and hive with a mitered-joint, we must not be satisfied
with anything less than perfection, else in case of storms, the rain
will beat into our hives, which should never be permitted. Such
covers can be fastened to the hives with hinges, or by hooks and
staples. But unless the apiarist is skilled in the use of tools, or hires a
mechanic to make his hives, it will be more satisfactory to make the
cover just large enough (Fig, 29) to shut over and rest on shoulders
formed either by nailing inch strips around the body of the hive, one
inch from the top, or else inside the cover (Fig, 29). If it is preferred
to have a two-story hive, with the upper story (Fig, 33, b) just like the
lower (Fig, 33, c), this (Fig, 53) may join the lower by a miter-joint,
while a cover (Fig, 33, a) two inches high, may join this with a similar
joint.
Fig. 33.
If the upper story shuts over the lower and rests on a shoulder
(Fig, 29) it may still be made to take the same sized frame, by nailing
pieces one-half an inch square to the corners, whose length shall
equal the distance from the rabbet in the lower story to the bottom
board. Now nail to these upright pieces, parallel to the rabbeted
faces below, a three-eighths inch board as wide as the pieces are
long. The top of these thin boards will take the place of the rabbet in
the lower story. This style, which is adopted in the two-story hives as
made by Mr. Langstroth (Fig, 29), will permit in the upper story the
same frames as used in the lower story, while two more can be
inserted. Upon this upper story a shallow cover will rest. Such
covers, if desired, may be made roof-like (Fig, 34), by cutting end
pieces, (Fig 34, b) in form of the gable of a house. In this case there
will be two slanting boards (Fig, 34, a, a), instead of one that is
horizontal, to carry off the rain. The slanting boards should project at
the ends (Fig, 34, d), for convenience in handling. In such covers we
need thin, narrow ridge-boards (Fig, 34, c), to keep all perfectly dry.
These covers look neat, are not so apt to check, and will dry much
quicker after a rain.
Fig. 34.
THE FRAMES.
The form and size of frames, though not quite as various as the
persons who use them, are still very different. Some prefer large
frames. I first used one ten by eighteen inches, and afterward a
shallow frame about seven by eighteen (Fig, 29). The advantage
claimed for large frames is that there are less to handle, and time is
saved; yet may not smaller frames be handled so much more
dexterously, especially if they are to be handled through all the long
day, as to compensate, in part at least, for the number? The
advantage of the shallow frame is, as claimed, that the bees will go
into boxes more readily; yet they are not considered so safe for out-
door wintering. This is the style recommended and used by Mr.
Langstroth, which fact may account for its popularity in the United
States. Another frame in common use, is one about one foot square.
I use one eleven inches square. The reasons that I prefer this form
are, that the comb seldom breaks from the frame, the frames are
convenient for nuclei, and save the expense of constructing extra
nucleus hives, and that these frames permit the most compact
arrangement for winter and spring, and thus enable us to economize
heat. By use of a division board, we can, by using eight of these
frames, occupy just a cubic foot of space in spring, and by repeated
experiments I have found that a hive so constructed that the bees
always cover the combs during the early cold weather, always gives
the best results. As the honey season comes on more can be added,
till we have reached twelve, as many, I think, as will ever be needed
for brood. This was the size of frame preferred by Mr. Gallup, and is
the one used by Messrs. Davis and Doolittle, and many others of our
most successful apiarists. That this size is imperative is, of course,
not true; that it combines as many desirable points as any other, I
think, is true. For apiarists who are not very strong, especially for
ladies, it is beyond question superior to all others.
Fig. 35.
Nothing that I have ever tried is equal to a quilt for this purpose. It
is a good absorbent of moisture, preserves the heat in spring and
winter, and can be used in summer without jarring or crushing the
bees. This should be a real quilt, made of firm unbleached factory,
duck, or cambric—I have used the first with entire satisfaction for
four years—enclosing a thick layer of batting, and hemmed about the
edges. My wife quilts and hems them on a machine. The quilting is in
squares, and all is made in less than fifteen minutes. The quilt
should be a little larger than the top of the hive, so that after all
possible shrinkage, it will still cover closely. Thus, when this is put
on, no bees can ever get above it. When we use the feeder, it may
be covered by the quilt, and a flap cut in the latter, just above the
hole in the feeder, enables us to feed without disturbing the bees,
though I place the feeder at the end of the chamber, wherein are the
bees, and have only to double the quilt back when I feed. The only
objection that I know to the quilt is, that the bees will fasten propolis,
and even comb, between it and the frames, and this looks bad. A
little care 'will make this a small objection. Mr. Langstroth used a
board above the frames, which Mr. Heddon uses even now. Perhaps
Mr. Heddon never used the quilts. Perhaps his love of order and
neatness caused him to discard them. Still, I feel to thank Mr. A. I.
Root for calling my attention to quilts.
Fig. 38.
DIVISION BOARD.
Fig. 39.