As we enter our golden years, the best advice for avoiding injury is the same advice for protecting our long-term health and fitness: stay as mobile as possible.
According to Better Health, a lot of people have the misconception that you can’t build muscle in later years like you used to – this is not necessarily true: “whilst we do experience a decrease in muscle mass as we age, regular walking, or movement, is key.”
Make it social! Try not to miss a day of movement, because it’s easy for one day to become two, for two to become a week, and before you know it you’re out of your routine. Staying active with friends can keep you motivated and engaged. Having that accountability and enjoying the social component will make it something you look forward to.
As Autumn approaches, let’s not ‘fall’ for it! One of the biggest orthopaedic concerns as we get older is a fall. Our bones become less dense, increasing the chances of fracture in a hip or wrist. A good walking or movement program is key to maintaining balance, which is crucial to preventing falls; if you sit in a chair too long, muscles tighten, posture suffers and cardiovascular quality drops.
Almost every older person can do some form of exercise. But remember: before you begin, talk to your GP or primary healthcare provider about the level and type of exercise that’s right for you. This is especially important if you haven’t exercised for a while, if you use a cane or a walker, or you want to try something more strenuous than you are used to.
Sources: Australian Government Department of Health & Aged Care, the Better Health Channel www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au.