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Dementia Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitness
Exercise & Fitness

Dementia Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitness

by Silverado
written by Silverado

September is National Healthy Aging Month, and nobody is a better example of healthy aging than Steve Morgan! A resident at the Silverado Aspen Park community in Salt Lake City, Steve doesn’t let his dementia get in the way of staying fit and physically active. Dementia Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitness
Though he lives full-time in the community surrounded by a specially trained staff that sees to his needs, Steve takes regular outings to push his limits. Recently, upon hearing all the buzz about CrossFit, he took an outing with a Silverado associate to try a workout at a local CrossFit gym.
Steve spent the afternoon pushing his physical capabilities, which prompted the personal trainer to comment “The thing I was most impressed with about Steve was his character, willingness to learn, improve, and ask questions.” “He also managed to keep a smile on his face throughout the training!” he added. Dementia Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitness
In addition to being a fitness enthusiast, Steve also has a passion for the outdoors. During his younger years, he was an avid hiker. Seeing Steve’s genuine passion, Silverado Engagement Assistant, Angelica, planned a hiking excursion to Mount Olympus in Utah. Dementia Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitness
Steve packed his backpack and was ready to go! They stopped at a nearby grocery store to pick up the perfect hiking snacks: jerky, cheese, crackers, protein bars, and water. Along the way, they met a man older than Steve who was also hiking Mount Olympus. This man motivated Steve! He said, “If this man can do it, so can I”.
Steve and Angelica hiked for 3 hours up the mountain and only had about 25 more minutes to get to the peak, but unfortunately ran out of water. They both enjoyed their scenic hike and Steve is already planning his next trip! Dementia Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitness
Dementia Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitnessa Can’t Stop One Man’s Dedication to Fitness

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Master the Mobility Game as you Age
Exercise & Fitness

Master the Mobility Game as you Age

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Staying mobile is an important factor in health as you age. Not only does it help you maintain your health, it is also a major factor in holding on to your independence. There are a number of ways to master mobility even as you age: Master the Mobility Game as you Age
1. Walk: Taking walks is by far one of the best ways to stay active. If you don’t have time, incorporate it into your day. A trip to the grocery store is a good start, and you can take an extra step by parking at the back of the lot. This is a great way to increase the distance you walk each day. And maybe the best part of walking? It’s free! Master the Mobility Game as you Age
2. Find a Hobby: Having a hobby is a great way to keep your body and mind mobile. Knitting works muscles in your hands that improve dexterity while keeping your concentration sharp. Gardening works a number of muscle systems and is known to actively relax the gardener. Remember that it is supposed to be fun, so find a hobby that you love to keep you sharp and active!
3. Partner Up: One way to make sure you enjoy either a walk or a hobby is to bring along a friend. This is a great way to stay motivated to get up and out, and it also makes the activity more enjoyable overall. Call a friend who is also looking to stay active and mobile for a walk.
4. Consider a Cane: If you are having a real problem staying mobile, consider using a cane. Most people fear that a cane will limit them; on the contrary, it can be the tool that can help get you up and moving. Even if you do not plan to use it long term, a cane can help you keep active and build confidence for walking longer distances without it. We highly recommend the Hurrycane, the #1 selling cane in America.
5. Take the Stairs: Going up and down stairs is a good way to add difficulty to your walk. It works different muscles and is proven to literally help people get out of bed in the morning. This doesn’t have to be a tedious repetition of up and down; it can be as simple as taking the stairs over the elevators when there is an option.
Try one or all of these tips throughout the course of your daily routine to master mobility.

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https://senior.com/shop/hurrycane-freedom-edition-folding-canes-t-handle/
Exercise & Fitness

10,000 Reasons Why a Cane is Crucial

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

10,000. The magic number of steps you should try to take every day for your overall mobility, health and wellness. 10,000 Reasons Why a Cane is Crucial
If hitting 10,000 isn’t a daily goal for you, it’s very easy to fall short. As we get older, it gets easier and easier to get comfortable and walk less. As a culture, Americans are walking less and less, and it’s starting to take its toll.
The benefits of hitting 10,000 are tremendous. If you’re falling short due to a lack of stability or confidence, it may be time to pick up a cane.

10,000 Steps for a Richer Life

You may not know this, but the 10,000-step phenomenon started in Japan as part of a marketing campaign. The makers of pedometers – or step counters – in Japan started recommending 10,000 steps a day to improve mobility, reduce the incidence of cardiac disease and cut down on stress. The American Heart Association in the United States eventually caught on and started recommending 10,000 steps a day to help people live more active lifestyles. The Surgeon General seconded that recommendation and advised at least 30 minutes of cardio at least most days of the week.

Overcoming Mobility Issues

A lot of seniors have mobility issues that keep them from seamlessly getting to 10,000 steps daily. Does that mean we should just shrug it off and head back to bed? Unfortunately that’s how many people respond. It leads to a gradual decline that robs you of your mobility and independence. The key to keeping your independent lifestyle for as long as possible is to get the mobility aid or mobility aids that you need. Recent advances in mobility aids like improved canes have allowed seniors to be more active and independent.

Canes for More Support

If instability is holding you back from walking with confidence, a cane can provide increased support so you can conquer your 10,000 steps. Some rely on a cane for every step, and if you haven’t walked regularly in a while, you may want one at all times. However, you may find as you start walking more that you’ll need it less and less. Folding canes, like the HurryCane®, give you better stability on demand. Keeping one handy reduces your risk of falling and gives you more autonomy. The HurryCane’s® all-terrain design can go anywhere to give you even better peace of mind.

Benefits of Staying More Active

You may see an improvement in your flexibility, balance, mood and overall fitness by moving from the sedentary range of 5,000 or fewer steps a day to the active range of 10,000+ steps most days of the week. You actually start to feel better physically and emotionally by increasing your activity throughout the day. Getting those 10,000 steps can lead to a sunnier outlook and fewer of the symptoms we associate with depression (e.g., lethargy and lack of motivation). On top of that, getting more active can put you in step with your local social scene and keep you more connected to your friends, family and neighbors.
There are a number of ways to rack up 10,000 steps in a hurry:
* Have a few exercise routines throughout the week.
* Take the stairs instead of the elevator.
* Walk to work or the store.
* Hide the remote.
* Don’t wait for the closest parking spot. Park at the far side of the parking lot and bundle up if it’s cold.
Ten thousand steps is roughly five miles. You can stay motivated to get there by getting yourself a pedometer or fitness tracker to help you chart your progress. For fun you can even compete in weekly competitions with your friends on social media. While 10,000 steps is a very doable number that will get easier and easier, it’s recommended that you ease your way into it. Gradually add 1,000 steps every week.

Your Ticket to 10,000: The HurryCane®

If you don’t enjoy walking due to a lack of mobility, a cane can completely change your outlook. Instead of dreading an extended walk, you can embrace it as an opportunity to get closer to 10,000. Instead of feeling annoyed when you have to get up, remember that every step you take is bringing you a host of health benefits.
If you want to take back your mobility, we can help. The HurryCane® is the #1 selling cane in America because it provides better stability at any angle. It stands alone so you can walk with confidence. Pick one up today to get our best deal ever.

10,000 Reasons Why a Cane is Crucial

10,000 Reasons Why a Cane is Crucial 10,000 Reasons Why a Cane is Crucial 10,000 Reasons Why a Cane is Crucial 10,000 Reasons Why a Cane is Crucial 10,000 Reasons Why a Cane is Crucial 10,000 Reasons Why a Cane is Crucial10,000 Reasons Why a Cane is Crucial 10,000 Reasons Why a Cane is Crucial 10,000 Reasons Why a Cane is Crucial 10,000 Reasons Why a Cane is Crucial 10,000 Reasons Why a Cane is Crucial

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9 Great Ways for Seniors to Stay Fit
Exercise & Fitness

9 Great Ways for Seniors to Stay Fit

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

 
Today’s new exercise trends seem better suited for millennials than seniors. It’s hard to find motivation when new workouts are so daunting. But you don’t have to jump on the train of virtual boxing or hardcore parkour to stay fit. There are plenty of old-school ways to break a sweat in your golden years. 9 Great Ways for Seniors to Stay Fit
So don’t worry about trying to catch on to the next fitness fad. Whether you try one or you sample them all, these nine classic workout activities will have you feeling more energized than ever.

Take to Exercise Like a Fish to Water

Working out in a pool is a great way to mix up your daily routine. Water workouts offer the added benefit of water resistance to kick your exercise routine up a notch.

  • This low impact workout easy on the joints, making swimming a senior’s best friend. Take advantage of the pool at your gym or the local YMCA to swim laps three days a week. Pro tip: a swimming cap will help keep your hair dry while adding some aerodynamics to your stroke.
  • Aqua Aerobics. Break up the days of swimming laps with fun and engaging aerobics classes. Held in the shallow end of a pool, aqua aerobics uses the resistance of the water and your own body weight to tone and strengthen muscles. Pro tip: take a class with a friend for twice the fun. 9 Great Ways for Seniors to Stay Fit
  • Water Polo. Not for the faint of heart, Water Polo is the water sport version of Soccer. It’s a high intensity, high cardio workout that will keep you moving through the water the whole time. Pro tip: look into classes or amateur leagues in your area to get started.

Stay Fit Inside and Outdoors

Whether you hit the great outdoors during the summer or make use of the treadmill during the winter, you won’t have to sacrifice your workout days with these activities.

  • Universally beneficial for any age, walking is the easiest way to stay active. Take a turn around the block, or grab a friend for an hour of powerwalking. Pro tip: invest in a good pair of walking shoes to keep your feet and body supported while you move.
  • While you’re not aspiring to be the next Usain Bolt, running is still exercise seniors can take advantage of. Try your next run “off-road”—unpaved trails are easier on the feet and knees than running on pavement. Pro tip: have an expert assess your form the next time you’re at a running shoes store. 9 Great Ways for Seniors to Stay Fit
  • Hopping on a bike is a great cardio boost, and the perfect time to get the wind in your hair. Map out your route and take a leisurely ride or do a couple laps for more intensity. Pro tip: always wear your helmet when cycling outdoors.

Bring Your Mind and Body Into Harmony

Not all exercise means you have to sweat it out. Balance your workout days with gentle stretching and mindful movement.

  • Fine-tune your Downward Facing Dog while quieting your mind. With different styles and levels of yoga, seniors can tailor their practice to fit their needs that day. Pro tip: look for gentle yoga classes for a solid introduction to the practice.
  • Granted, meditation is not a physical workout, but the mental benefits make adding this practice into your routine well worth your time. Calming your mind lowers stress levels and boosts feelings of rejuvenation. Pro tip: try meditating before your normal workout to bring extra focus to what you’re working on that day.
  • Tai Chi. A rhythmical, almost dance-like form of martial arts, Tai Chi is promoted as a moving meditation. With slow controlled movement, Tai Chi is great for seniors looking for a more accessible starting point to exercise. Pro tip: take a class outdoors for a breath of fresh air.

Love the New You with Old-School Moves

Forget worrying about trying to beat the computer in virtual boxing. You’ll be rocking your way to a new you with any of these nine effective workouts. Get ready to break a sweat well into the best years of your life. 9 Great Ways for Seniors to Stay Fit
By Sonja Wright
Bio: Sonja Wright is a writer for Alert1, a personal safety and technology firm dedicated to helping seniors live safely and independently. A graduate of San Francisco State University, Sonja has an extreme weakness for yarn and the fiber arts. She unevenly divides her time between yoga, dance, and petting her cats.

9 Great Ways for Seniors to Stay Fit

9 Great Ways for Seniors to Stay Fit 9 Great Ways for Seniors to Stay Fit 9 Great Ways for Seniors to Stay Fit 9 Great Ways for Seniors to Stay Fit

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4 Excuses Seniors Use with Caregivers to Avoid Exercise
Exercise & Fitness

How Exercise Helps your Body and your Brain

by Silverado
written by Silverado


(Link to YouTube Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VAMLfcat1aw)
It has long been known that exercise benefits the brain through improved vascular health, but scientists are beginning to discover that the benefits could be much more far-reaching. Watch Richard London, MD, Silverado Oak Village Medical Director, explain how exercise may be far more beneficial than previously believed.
Recent studies show an association between higher levels of physical activity and a slowing in cognitive decline and dementia onset. In some cases, an increase in the volume of the hippocampus (where Alzheimer’s starts) was observed. Based on this research, Silverado has made physical exercise a pillar of the Nexus program, which is designed to help defend against the onset and progression of many common dementias.
Exercises that can help your brain include, but are not limited to:

  • Walking
  • Hiking
  • Dancing
  • Biking
  • Strength training
  • Chair exercises
  • Zumba
  • Ping pong
  • Golf
  • Swimming

To watch more videos of medical experts discussing ways to keep the brain healthy, visit this page.

How Exercise Helps your Body and Your Brain

How Exercise Helps your Body and your Brain How Exercise Helps your Body and your Brain How Exercise Helps your Body and your Brain How Exercise Helps your Body and Your Brain

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Exercise & Fitness

Finding Zen in Your Golden Years with Yoga

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

The fantasies of retirement paint almost the perfect picture of finding your zen in life – you’re done working for a living, stress simply washes away, you’re in perfect health to work on your garden every day or go on that cruise you’ve been eyeballing. The reality, however, is not always so picturesque. Retirement is a symbol of getting older, and with aging can come medical ailments, tightening the purse strings if you’re on a budget and no longer working, fighting harder to maintain relationships and seek out social interaction, and the seemingly inevitable stresses of losing independence. Finding Zen in Your Golden Years with Yoga

What effective, mindfulness activity is a sure-fire tool for finding zen in your Golden Years no matter what life throws at you? You guessed it, yoga. While the practice of yoga has grown significantly in popularity over the past 15 years, for many seniors the vision of yoga is one of curling and twisting yourself into a pretzel, which obviously seems painful and impossible. Breaking down these yoga misconceptions is a must for living a full, happy and healthy life in retirement. Check out these 5 superior health benefits of senior yoga: Finding Zen in Your Golden Years with Yoga

Relieves Stress

The stress of getting older is enough without piling on anxiety over health, money and family situations. Yoga for seniors is a proven stress-reliever in both its focus on meditation and relaxation, as well as its physical effects on the body. Regular exercise (about 30 minutes a day) including yoga, has been shown to boost endorphin production, endorphins being those feel-good brain chemicals that lead to feelings of euphoria and diminish the negative associations stress has like depression, tense muscles, and stomach aches. Finding Zen in Your Golden Years with Yoga

Builds Strong Bones and Muscles

You don’t have to run a marathon to feel the physical benefits of exercise. Low-impact exercises, of which yoga is included, may seem lighter on the exertion but are extremely beneficial (and recommended) for seniors. Moving the body, stretching the spine, and holding yoga positions helps your body build up bone mass and fight osteoporosis, while a boost in heart rate strengthens the heart muscle and consistent deep breathing expands and strengthens the lungs.

Alleviates Back Pain

The gentle, flowing stretching and deep breathing of yoga practice have been shown to help alleviate back pain as well. By stretching tense muscles and tendons in your back, yoga boosts blood flow to the affected area and aids in reducing inflammation. The mindfulness and meditation of yoga can also alter your perception of pain – as you relax and your nervous system unwinds, your body produces more endorphins, you focus your thoughts positively, and stretch sore and tense muscles like they haven’t been stretched before. The American College of Physicians, in fact, issued new recommendations at the beginning of 2017 that hailed practices like yoga, tai chi, and acupuncture for relieving low back pain over medicines and pharmacological aids. Finding Zen in Your Golden Years with Yoga

Encourages Socialization

Yoga classes are a great way for seniors to get out with friends, or meet new people and interact with others socially. Look for a class near you to join by reaching out to your local YMCA or senior center, or look online with free services including DoYogaWithMe.com and YogaFinder.com. Even though yoga is practiced in quiet, relaxing settings, the before and after engagement with others is fun, welcomed and continues to boost overall mood. Avoiding social isolation and seeking out the company of others regularly is also an important way to prevent memory loss, dementia, and age-related cognitive decline.

Helps Prevent Falls

With the statistics on senior falls being pretty drastic, 1 in 3 seniors over 65 will experience a fall at some point, fall prevention plays a vital role in your health as you age. Yoga practice naturally incorporates balancing, flexibility and coordination activity – from holding poses to gently bending, arching, lunging, and grounding yourself to the floor. The stronger your balance and coordination, the less chance of falling as you age, which means avoiding serious injury, hip fractures, and potential hospitalization. Finding Zen in Your Golden Years with Yoga

Practicing yoga is possible for everyone, even older adults with mobility problems. Chair yoga can be done sitting down or bracing yourself with a chair while water yoga is actually practiced in a shallow warm pool, allowing for weightless movement with all the same mental and physical health benefits. The ancient practice of yoga has truly transformed into a modern way for seniors to stay healthy, fight stress, and live their best life in retirement.

By Joe Fleming

Co-Founder, Vive Health

Finding Zen in Your Golden Years with Yoga

Finding Zen in Your Golden Years with Yoga Finding Zen in Your Golden Years with Yoga Finding Zen in Your Golden Years with Yoga Finding Zen in Your Golden Years with Yoga Finding Zen in Your Golden Years with Yoga Finding Zen in Your Golden Years with Yoga

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Sciatica
Exercise & Fitness

Simple Exercises For Sciatica Pain

by Andrew Vertson
written by Andrew Vertson

If you are one of many America’s suffering from chronic low back pain, you may find that gentle exercise and daily stretching can help to provide some pain relief. Sciatica is a type of low back pain characterized by pain that travels down the sciatic nerve, which branches off into the back of the legs. Simple Exercises For Sciatica Pain
Sciatica pain may be accompanied by tingling or numbness sensations or even muscle weakness in the legs. Sciatica is often associated with an underlying medical condition, such as a herniation of the lumbar disk and the pain may be intermittent or constant, mild or severe.
Though sciatica nerve pain can be difficult to cope with, here are two common exercises that can help you to manage it and relieve its intensity.
<< To download a copy of our breakthrough back pain report, click here >>
Hip Stretch
If your activities require extensive sitting then stretching the muscles in the back of the hip is an exercise that may help with your symptoms. You can easily perform this stretch in a comfortable seated position. Sit with your back straight and your legs extended out in front of you. Bring your right ankle up and rest it on your left knee, your right knee is bent and will look like the number four. Taken both hands and grab behind the right knee and gently pull this toward your chest. You should feel tightness deep in the right buttock. When you feel this tightness, hold the position for 30 seconds and then extend the leg back to the floor. Repeat this stretch three times each leg.
<< You can download our back pain report here >>
Hamstring Stretch
Stretching the hamstring muscles may release the tension caused by the irritation of the sciatic nerve. One simple hamstring stretch may be performed by standing up straight, elevating one foot in front of you and resting it on an object (such as a step) high enough to cause a slight tightness in the back of your leg. It is important not to raise your foot higher than your hip or high enough to cause a sharp pain in the leg. The top of your foot and knee should face toward the ceiling, and not turned outward. Once your leg is in this position, put your hands on top of your thigh and gently put downward pressure to maintain nice stretch in your hamstring. Caution: be very careful not to overstretch, because that could aggravate the sciatic nerve. Hold this stretch for 30 seconds and then lower the leg back to the floor. You should repeat this exercise three times each leg. Simple Exercises For Sciatica Pain
These two stretches can help you release tension and relieve sciatica pain in your buttocks, hips and legs. For best results, practice these exercises regularly for sciatica pain relief. Do you need more help with your low back pain? Contact a physical therapist in your area and begin the journey back to full health.

Simple Exercises For Sciatica Pain

Simple Exercises For Sciatica Pain

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Exercise & Fitness

Seniors, How Fit Are You, Really?

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

Here are 4 tests to measure strength, balance and flexibility can help you set fitness goals. Seniors, How Fit Are You, Really?

How much effort would it take for you to go from sitting on the floor to standing up? Determining how easily you could do it can help predict how long you’ll live, according to a study by Brazilian researchers. How Fit Are You, Really?
Researchers had 2,000 men and women between the ages of 51 and 80 stand from the floor with no support (the Sitting Rising Test, or SRT) and scored them on a scale of zero to 10. Points were deducted for using a hand, knee or body part. Those with scores below eight had higher mortality rates six years after the study, compared to those with scores between eight and ten.
Investigators suggest that the flexibility and strength required for the SRT might reflect the ability to perform a wide range of daily activities, such as bending over to pick up a paper or a pair of glasses from under a table.
While it makes intuitive sense that maintaining strength, balance and flexibility as we age can prolong longevity, as the SRT study suggests, not all of us keep up with our workouts. Seniors, How Fit Are You, Really?
“As we progress into our 50s and 60s we tend to challenge ourselves less and less,” says Mark Nutting, fitness director of SACO Sport & Fitness in Saco, Maine. Seniors, How Fit Are You, Really?
Not all of us have a team of Brazilian researchers on hand to guide us through the SRT. But here are four simple, at-home tests to help you recognize fitness issues you could improve. (Check with your doctor before trying these or any other exercise.)
1. For Balance: The Sharpened Romberg Test
This two-part test assesses static balance by standing with a reduced base of support (one foot in front of the other) and removing visual sensory information (eyes closed), says Jessica Matthews, certified personal trainer and assistant professor at Miramar College in San Diego, California. Seniors, How Fit Are You, Really?

  • Stand with one foot in front of the other (heel to toes) and your arms folded across your chest with the palms touching opposite shoulders (stand near a wall or other stable object if you’re unsure of your balance capabilities).
  • Close your eyes and count to see how long you can stand without losing your stability. “Good postural control is based on holding this position and maintaining balance without excessive swaying for 30 seconds or more,” says Matthews.

If you can’t make it to 30 seconds, consider workouts to build your balance. More than one in three people age 65 or older falls each year, according to the National Institutes of Health, making balance an important part of any exercise program.
3. For Aerobic Fitness: The Rockport One-Mile Walk Test
This test predicts aerobic fitness by using heart rate response in determining VO2 max — the maximum amount of oxygen your body can use during exercise. Choose a calm day outdoors or use a treadmill for this test.

  • Walk one mile on flat ground as quickly as safely possible.
  • Immediately upon finishing, check your heart rate (count your heartbeats per minute) and record this number. Determine your VO2 max using this calculator. How did you rate?

If you fell short, look for ways to increase your cardiovascular fitness through walking, biking, swimming or another aerobic activity. Strive for 30 minutes a day, five days a week.
4. For Muscular Strength and Endurance: The Push-Up Test
Before doing this test, first perform a short warm-up of walking for five to 10 minutes. Then…

  • Position yourself on the floor on your hands and knees, with your body straight and on your knees (a modified push-up) or up on your toes. Hands should be positioned directly under shoulders.
  • Lower yourself towards the floor until your chest nearly touches the ground, then push yourself back up to the starting position, exhaling as you push back up. Record the number and check your scores here.

If you rated below average, try to improve your score by striving for an additional repetition each week as part of your strength training, two to three times a week.
For Flexibility: The Sit and Reach Test
The sit and reach test measures the flexibility of the lower back and hamstring (backs of the leg) muscles. Tightness in these areas can lead to lower back pain. Warm up by walking or biking for five to 10 minutes. Then…

  • Place a yardstick on the floor with the zero closest to you. Tape the yardstick in place at the 15-inch mark.
  • Sit on the floor with the yardstick between your legs, feet approximately 12 inches apart and heels even with the tape at the 15-inch mark.
  • Place one hand over the other, with the tips of your two middle fingers on top of each other.
  • Slowly stretch forward, without bouncing, and slide your fingertips as far as possible along the yardstick. Record this number. Repeat three times.

Check your score here. If you rated low, regular stretching after your workouts can help increase flexibility.
“To know whether or not you need to improve in a specific area requires measuring it to find a baseline,” says Nutting. “Only then can you see if the work you’re doing has the desired results.”
By Linda Melone. Next Avenue contributor Linda Melone is a California-based freelance writer specializing in health, fitness and wellness for women over 50.
Seniors, How Fit Are You, Really? Seniors, How Fit Are You, Really? Seniors, How Fit Are You, Really? Seniors, How Fit Are You, Really? Seniors, How Fit Are You, Really? Seniors, How Fit Are You, Really?

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Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50
Exercise & Fitness

Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50

by Andrew Vertson
written by Andrew Vertson

As we age, we progress through different stages: childhood, adolescence, adulthood and late adulthood. As we move into our “senior” years it more important to adopt a healthy lifestyle. As we age there are changes in all our body systems, including the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal systems. Some common conditions and illnesses include: osteoarthritis, osteoporosis, heart disease and diabetes. Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50
Improving overall health, and addressing risk factors, make it possible to maintain and enhance the quality of life as we age. Improving our eating habits and increasing physical activity will reduce or even prevent common diseases. Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50
Physical therapists can help you improve your health and wellness with a well-balanced exercise and injury prevention program. Progressive exercise can increase strength, improve flexibility and boost quality of life for individuals of all ages. Your physical therapist will evaluate your current capabilities and take medical conditions into consideration to help you achieve your new goals.
Here are some tips for improving your mobility and decreasing your pain:

  • Invest in comfortable footwear. This will encourage you to walk, exercise more and reduce the risk of injuries to the joints.
  • Making a conscious effort to walk (or be more active) around the house and at work.
  • Identify those exercises that you enjoy and do them as often as possible. Some soreness for a day or two is ok, but make sure to contact your physical therapist if you feel any sharp pain that gets worse.
  • Consistency in your progressive exercise program consisting of isometric or isotonic exercises prescribed by your physical therapist.

The sooner you start the better! If you, or someone you know, is approaching or over the age of 50 advise them to take steps to be proactive about their health. Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50 Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50 Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50

Physical Therapy & Fitness After 50

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