An Active Lifestyle for Great Health
By Donna Stark
As people age, it is common for many to experience a loss in mobility. Our bodies are weaker, our joints are filled with pain, and our balance couldn't be worse, and as a result, many of us start to live a less than active lifestyle. On top of that, if a cane, walker, or wheelchair are thrown into the mix, moving around can easily become an even bigger struggle! If you are hitting your later years in life and hope to stay functionally independent, then being physically active now isn't just a good idea, it's a necessity!
Keep Moving
Mobility loss has less to do with age than it does with inactivity. The real enemy here is a sedentary lifestyle, because as inactivity increases, muscle mass decreases, and as muscle mass decreases, inactivity increases even more. It's a vicious cycle, but not one that can't be avoided! You just need to prioritize exercise now!
Active Life
The good news is you don't have to train like a professional athlete to improve your mobility as you age. You just need to stay physically active with some moderate exercise during the week. Here are some great tips for seniors who want to do everything they can in order to maintain their health and protect their future mobility and independence.
- Stay active - Sitting on the couch all day may keep you up on all of your favorite television shows, but it won't help you build muscle. It's vital that you maintain an active lifestyle, so join a senior group, walk with some friends, or volunteer in your community.
- Work those walking aids - Don't let a cane or walker be your excuse to not move, use it often and stay in motion! And if you need just a cane to walk, don't switch over to a walker. Keep challenging your body and build that strength!
- Increase your balance - One of the most important things you can do every week is to work on your balance. A fall and the potential injuries that may come from it can easily set you back years.
- Engage in strength training - Keep your body healthy and strong with low to moderate strength training exercises, and if you don't know where to start or haven't done so in years, talk to a trainer at your local gym. It's a great way to build those muscles, strengthen your joints, lose weight, and regain your balance!
Safety First
Make the commitment to protect your future mobility and independence today, but be sure to put your safety first. And if you have any questions or need help on what to do, you can always come in to see your local chiropractors at The Joint Chiropractic! They can help you change your habits and your physical function one small move after the next!
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Franklin, Tenn.