As we age, it is essential to maintain our mobility. Doing so helps us stay independent and increases our quality of life. Here at Broadway Pharmacy, we want to share the top reasons why staying mobile as you get older is so beneficial.
It’s no secret that we all start to feel the effects of ageing as the years go by. For example, we may find that we can’t do the things we used to do with the same level of ease or that we ache more than we used to. Of course, these are all perfectly normal changes that come with ageing. However, that doesn’t mean we must accept them and give up on being active. In fact, maintaining our mobility is more important than ever as we age.
So, if you are starting to feel stiff and sore, here are five reasons to keep mobile as you age.
1. Staying mobile helps reduce pain and stiffness
Joints become less flexible with age, leading to pain and stiffness. However, research has shown that regular exercise can help reduce these symptoms by keeping joints lubricated and improving range of motion.
As our bodies age, staying active is vital to reduce the loss of muscle mass and maintain our bone density. It may not be easy to get out and exercise like we used to, but it is worth it in the long run. It doesn’t have to be anything strenuous; a 30-minute walk will suffice. Not only does staying active reduce pain and stiffness, but it also helps to keep our joints lubricated.
2. Improves balance and prevents falls
The older we become the higher our risk of falling. This is because our muscles weaken, and our reflexes slow down. Staying mobile can help improve your balance and coordination, which in turn reduces your risk of falling.
Walking is a great way to stay mobile, and it has the added benefit of building lower body strength, which can help to prevent falls. In addition, walking helps improve balance and coordination, which will help avoid falls. And finally, walking increases blood flow and helps to keep joints healthy, both of which are essential for maintaining our mobility as we grow older.
Take a walk outside whenever you can – it’s good for your body and mind.
3. It boosts brain power
Another benefit to staying active and mobile is the link to reducing cognitive impairment and keeping our brains healthy. One of many studies has shown that staying active can help to boost brain power, whether it’s through physical activity, mental stimulation, or social interaction. For instance, research has shown that older adults who are physically active have a lower risk of developing dementia. It’s believed that exercise does this by stimulating the growth of new brain cells and connections.
Regular exercise will also improve your heart health and, in turn, your brain health. Our hearts are beating faster and pumping more oxygen-rich blood to the brain, which helps to keep cognitive skills sharp. In addition, staying active helps to improve blood circulation, which will also keep the brain healthy. Exercise is also mentally stimulating; mental stimulation has been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
4. Exercise helps you sleep better
Getting older comes with a lot of changes. Our bodies start to ache in places we never knew existed, we get tired more easily, and our sleep patterns often change. One common complaint among seniors is difficulty sleeping through the night. This can be frustrating and even dangerous, as lack of sleep can lead to accidents and falls or other health concerns. However, there are things that seniors can do to help improve their sleep.
If you are struggling with insomnia or other sleep problems, exercise may be able to help. That’s because it can help regulate your body’s sleep-wake cycle by increasing daytime energy levels and nighttime melatonin production.
In addition, regular exercise helps to improve circulation, flexibility, and overall strength. This can do wonders for your sleep, as it can help to ease aches and pains that might keep you awake at night. Increased physical activity has also been shown to reduce inflammation, leading to better sleep quality.
5 . Could increase lifespan and protect against chronic diseases
Staying active doesn’t just make life more enjoyable – it could also help you live longer. That is because exercise has been shown to reduce the risk of developing chronic diseases such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, and more.
Regular physical activity can help to increase lifespan and protect against chronic diseases. One of the best ways to stay active is to participate in activities you enjoy. Whether taking a leisurely walk in your neighbourhood, playing with your grandchildren at the park, or joining an exercise class at your local gym, finding ways to move your body that are enjoyable and convenient for you will help you stick with it in the long run.
Therefore, don’t let getting older discourage you from staying fit. It is great for your overall well-being.
Get Started
Now you know all the top reasons why you should keep active, it is now time to get started. However, we understand that starting an exercise regime can be daunting, especially if you have been sedentary for a long time. These tips will help you begin your fitness journey.
- The first tip is to invest in a pedometer or other activity tracker. This will help you to set and track goals, and seeing your progress can be a great motivator. Start slowly by aiming to walk 10,000 steps per day. If you can commit to walking 30 minutes daily, that’s even better.
- To make things more interesting, try joining a group like the Ramblers. Not only will you get to explore new places, but you’ll also make some new friends who share your interest in staying active.
- Finally, ensure you have good walking shoes; comfortable shoes will make all the difference when it comes to sticking with your new exercise routine.
If you’re looking looking for advice on ways to stay mobile as you get older, or are experiencing pain or symptoms related to low mobility, then get in touch with Physiotherapy by Cure Clinics. We’ll be happy to book you in for an initial consultation so that we can assess your circumstances and put an action plan in place.
