Last century, seniors were often found on porches, sitting in rockers doing needlepoint. But nowadays, the oldest members of our population, many of whom don’t even respond to the title of “senior,” are living life in ways our grandparents could never have dreamed, and it’s partially because of healthy choices such as physical exercise and regular visits to the chiropractor.

In years past, Grandma played checkers or bridge for fun, but today we have older people hiking, biking, walking, swimming, dancing and golfing into their 90s. The more they move, the more they like to move, and you see them walking in groups, biking in clubs, and playing in tournaments, because they see the benefit to staying healthy and fit.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, “Physical activity is essential to healthy aging. As an older adult, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health.”

So, what are these “mature” individuals doing for exercise? Many have begun biking and swimming on a regular basis. Swimming three to five times a week, for three to five miles, can postpone the effects of aging for several decades.

For those who don’t like cold water, tennis and golf are perennial favorites. Tennis burns calories, reduces blood pressure and stress, and ultimately reduces a person’s risk of developing heart disease, long considered the biggest killer for both men and women. Golf is not only a convenient excuse for going outside and spending a day with friends, but a way to get exercise while having a good time.

The combination of being outside for 4-5 hours, walking at a fast pace for 5-6 miles, and the social and psychological aspects of the game make it especially beneficial to seniors.

Aches and Pains

But what do they do about sore joints, poor balance, and loss of dexterity, which are inevitable conditions that come with advanced age?

The availability of regular chiropractic care to treat sore joints and offer spinal manipulative therapy on neck aches and back pain has enabled thousands of seniors to begin or continue living a healthier lifestyle.

Routine adjustments for active seniors can serve two main purposes: the first, is that it helps prevent injury during activity by improving proper movement of the body and secondly, routine care can add years to a patient’s involvement in any sport or hobby by decreasing the amount of stress placed on joints and muscles. It just makes sense that if one enjoys being active that one need take care of their body.

Posted in Wellness

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