***This content comes from the Joint Pain Programme Journal by Nuffield Health. As a Rehab Specialist running this program, I’m excited to share these helpful insights with you all.
Age and time both have effects on the body, many of which can increase the likelihood of experiencing musculoskeletal pain.
75% of people aged over 65 report frequent pain from arthritis and other conditions. However, we still have control over many of the factors that contribute to this.
Age can have some direct effects on the musculoskeletal system.
Bone density tends to reduce steadily with age, and at its worst, can lead to osteoporosis and bones that are prone to fracture and injury.
This process can be resisted with exercise, diet, and other lifestyle choices such as avoiding smoking and minimizing alcohol.
As a result, exercise is even more important as we age, despite the common misconception that we should decrease our exercise levels as we get older.
Chronic medical conditions
Statistically, we tend to accumulate these throughout life.
Medical conditions can make us more sensitive to pain and provide some hurdles to physical activity… but these are hurdles we want to help you overcome.
Physical activity will often improve that list of medical conditions and perhaps even cut down the need for medications.
Hormones
In females, menopause causes multiple changes throughout the body. It can accelerate the loss of bone density and the development of osteoporosis.
It is also associated with muscle loss and potentially reducing the capacity for exercise.
Men go through a less abrupt hormonal change as they age, where testosterone levels lower, often linked to other health problems.
This leads to greater pain sensitivity, loss of muscle, and accumulation of body fat.
Exercise can help combat these changes and potentially address any underlying health conditions.
Mental well-being
Aging can lead to many psychological and social changes that can reduce your confidence around physical exertion.
The factors above have the potential to affect mental well-being.
Through physical activity, we can prove what you’re really capable of, regaining confidence and independence… it’s in your hands!
Your Space to Reflect
📍 Starting Point
- What changes have you noticed in your body as you've gotten older?
- How has aging affected your approach to physical activity?
🤔 Looking Deeper
- When have you successfully adapted to body changes?
- What strengths have you discovered as you've aged?
💡 Exploring Possibilities
- Which activities make you feel strongest and most capable?
- What adaptations have helped you stay active?
🔄 New Perspectives
- How might viewing age-related changes as normal rather than limiting change things?
- What would embracing exercise as even more important with age look like?
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