As we age, we sometimes become stiffer in some joints and muscles. Is this a sign to stop moving? NO!! It is a sign you need to move more. With less use, muscles and tendons start to shorten and become less flexible. This is a signal that you must plan to become more flexible and teach those muscles and joints they have more life to live. As we lose flexibility, we become more prone to falls and fractures. Every fall is an invitation to a head injury or worse, a fracture.
It's unclear whether a femur (hip bone) breaks spontaneously and causes a fall, or if a fall leads to the femur breaking—all scenarios typically require surgery. Going to surgery is never to be considered lightly for any reason. If we can remain active by slowly increasing the length and duration of physical activity, our bodies will reward us with many more years of independence.
Walking or chair yoga can be very helpful as these are low-impact and do not risk a fall, unless you are normally unsteady. There are many free or low-cost exercise routines anyone can do at home with very little equipment required. Many SMART TVs have exercise programs from streaming sources.
Even without electronics, you can write out a simple routine to keep you active; you must be disciplined enough to do it daily. For example, 10 minutes of marching in place, 10 minutes of torso twists, and 10 minutes of bending to touch your knees or toes if you are limber enough.
Remember, staying active is essential for sustaining our independence.
#keepmoveing #chairyoga #flex #physicalactivity #exercise #health
Kathy Adkins, RN, Health Coach
MasterDementiaCoach.com
316.807.8293
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