There are so many things to look forward to with age—spending more time with loved ones, watching your family grow, experiencing new things. But if you’re in your fifth, sixth, or seventh, decade, have you started to notice aches, pains, and other issues making movement more difficult?
If so, you’re not alone. Age-related debility and chronic health conditions are common in our community. But while there’s no question that our bodies change with age, it is possible to maximize your mobility and independence—and there are plenty of good reasons to do so! Our physical therapy team can help you maintain a strong and mobile body as you get older, manage and prevent chronic illnesses, and keep you active and energized throughout your golden years. Contact Springfield PT today to schedule an appointment!
3 Reasons to Keep Moving as You Get Older
1.Prevent Falls
According to the National Council on Aging, an older adult is medically treated for a fall-related injury every 11 seconds. Sadly, falling events claims the lives of three senior Americans every hour. But while falls are common—they affect 1 in 4 people over the age of 65 every year—they’re not a “normal” consequence of aging.
Staying physically active is one of the best ways to prevent falls. And research shows physical therapy is an effective way to prevent falling events in the elderly. Our physical therapist staff can offer you and your loved ones evidence-based strategies to improve your balance, coordination, flexibility, strength, and endurance and avoid the costly physical, financial, and emotional impacts of falls.
2.Maintain Muscle Mass
Loss of muscle mass is a common consequence of aging. But we need to strengthen and maintain our muscles as we age in order to maximize our independence, prevent falls (see the first point), enhance bone health, improve metabolic and hormonal balances, support the immune system, and optimize overall health.
When it comes to muscles, it really is true: “if you don’t use it, you lose it.” One of our physical therapists can work with you to establish a safe and effective exercise routine—and address any nagging injuries or illnesses that are making day-to-day function challenging.
3.Extend Your Lifespan—and “Healthspan”
Research strongly shows that staying physically active at any age can help you lose weight, decrease stress, boost your memory and brain health, and improve your mood. Exercise is especially important for older adults because it reduces the risk of age-related health conditions, helps manage existing health conditions, increases longevity, and extends a person’s “health span” (the amount of time spent disease-free).
If you only remember one thing, remember this:
The healthier, stronger, and more active you are as you age, the less like you are you to lose your independence, die early, and experience potentially life-threatening injuries. PLUS, exercise is neuro-protective and good for your brain—making it a no-brainer for any older adult!
Ready to make physical activity an essential component to your healthy aging plan? Contact Springfield PT today to schedule an appointment.
