18 August,2008

Ask the Coach: Aging & Flexibility

Question

As I enter the later years I feel I am not as nimble as I once was and it is now challenging to perform my daily activities. What can I do to revive my health to maintain my independence?

Answer

There are a number of changes happening your body as you age and although you may be getting wiser, depending on your activity level, the changes to your body may be happening at a faster pace. We either use muscle or lose muscle as we age, and it is not uncommon for people to add on a few pounds of fat each year if they are inactive. It is therefore important to keep your body strong, as muscle is responsible for maintaining a high metabolism to burn calories but more importantly for keeping your independence. The effort of walking up stairs and carrying your groceries is made easier and your ability to enjoy pastimes like golf and swimming will be dictated by your strength and your flexibility.

Devoting some time to develop your flexibility will help combat gravity’s effect on your body. A recurring problem with our elderly population is their over-dependence on the TV for entertainment. TV couch potatoes body-shapes resemble the chairs they sit upon as more hours are spent in a chair instead of getting out and socialising. It is important to devote some time to exercise and to stretch. When you spend too much time in your armchair you will tighten up the muscles in the front of your hips which pulled your body into a slumped position. Get moving and get active and you will have a better quality of life to enjoy.