For some of us the thought of aging is not a pleasant one. We all know its a part of life but it can still be disapointing to realize that you are not as athletic as you once were, as strong, as energetic, or perhaps not as mentally sharp as you were in the past. Even though aging is a part of life we can have a significant positive effect on how old we "feel" by being more proactive about our health and lifestyle. Here are some tips to keep you "forever young":
1. Stay as strong as you can for as long as you can. Research shows that improvements in physical strength and function can be achieved with progressive resisted exercise in your 60's, 70's, and 80's.
2. Don't let chronic pain define you. Proper exercise, mobility, and pain management techniqes can help to ease pain and promote improved quality of life.
3. This one is a no brainer! People who are physically active—even later in life—are less likely to develop memory problems or Alzheimer's, a condition which affects more than 40% of people over the age of 85.
4. Exercise your heart muscle. Heart disease is the No. 1 cause of death in the US. One of the top ways of preventing it and other cardiovascular disease? Exercise! Research shows that if you already have heart disease, appropriate exercise can improve your health.
5. Your skeleton likes exercise. Osteoporosis or weak bones affects more than half of Americans over the age of 54. Exercises that keep you on your feet, like walking, jogging, or dancing, and exercises using resistance, such as weightlifting, can improve bone strength or reduce bone loss.
Time is not promised or guaranteed. Don't waste another minute and start getting healthier today. Give us a call we'd love to help.
Sincerely,
Dr. Leonard J. Somarriba
ProFysio Physical Therapy, Co-Owner