As we age, our bodies can become more susceptible to injuries, especially if we become more sedentary and less active – but does this not have to be the case. From a recent article on That’s Fit:
Weakness is the number one factor for putting you at injury risk. “The older we get, the less elastin — a protein that keeps our tendons and ligaments flexible — we make . As a result, these connective tissues become more stiff, placing added responsibility on our muscles to bear the burden of movement and impact when we run, swing a golf club or take a Zumba class. If your muscles aren’t strong enough, you’ll get injured,” explained Henry Lodge, M.D., and coauthor of Younger Next Year.
The article also stresses the importance of a warm up (10 minutes – think elliptical machine, lunges, climbing stairs) and cool down every time you exercise. It’s crucial that you focus on core strengthening exercises that require balance, because as we age the senses involved with balance can start to dull. The good news is, this too can be prevented. According to the Los Angeles Times:
“A 2007 study … looked at the effect of a yearlong balance training program on women with osteoporosis. By the end of the study, the women’s functional and static balance improved, as did mobility. Falling frequency declined … Balance training almost always involves targeting core muscles — the ones surrounding the trunk and the back, such as the abdominals, obliques and latissimus dorsi.”
Besides strength training, one of the best things we can do to keep the muscles, joints, and most importantly the spine flexible and pliable, is regular chiropractic adjustments. By preventing your spine from forming fixated joints, you body will move more freely and be less susceptible to injury. In addition, Chiropractic can help increase the nerve flow to the spine and all the subsequent joints, helping reduce inflammation. It can also help increase energy and range of motion, while reducing overall stiffness in the joints.
The take home message is that we do not have to be more prone to injury and falls as we age – we can improve at any age, all it takes is a little bit of work. So, take an active role in ensuring good health for years to come – Incorporate some core-exercises into your routine, and be sure to have your spine checked regularly for misalignments.
