Older Australians are generally healthy and experience a good quality of life. However, data shows that as we age, we are more likely to experience musculoskeletal issues. Aches and pains are normal as we age, but we need to be able to distinguish between preventable pain and pain that comes naturally with age. The spine loses thickness and elasticity as we age which leaves us more vulnerable to acute and chronic injuries. It is never too early to start implementing these tips to help you age in the best possible health.
As we age, it is vital to ensure we remain or get active. With 72% of older Australians being obese and only 1 in 3 participating in the right levels of exercise, it’s essential to keep in mind that this is a significant preventative measure for musculoskeletal issues. Exercise will help with improving mobility and stability, reducing inflammation and many other health benefits. Walking is a great low impact exercise to start with, and group exercise is a great way to motivate yourself to keep up the habit. Make sure to talk to your chiropractor before taking part in any activity to ensure that it’s right for you.
Your posture is also a crucial aspect of your aging. Good posture helps to stop excessive strain on muscles and ligaments. Avoid sitting or standing in the same position for long periods and keep your spine in a neutral position. To have correct posture, you should be looking to see if your ankles, hips, shoulders, and head are inline above each other while standing and with your feet flat with the hips, shoulders and head aligned above each other while sitting. Setting a reminder on your phone to think about your posture may help you to remember the habit.
To relieve muscle stiffness, improve stability and range of motion, and keep joint flexibility, it’s a good idea to start regular stretching. Make sure that you talk to a healthcare provider to learn how to correctly perform stretches as well as which stretches are best for, and always keep your level of ability in mind when performing stretches especially those that require you to balance.
Above all, make sure that you are talking to your chiropractor or other healthcare providers about any ongoing pain and to get advice about exercise programs and other preventative measures.