Commit to active ageing: movement, strength, balance and confidence

Coming into the colder months of the year, many people experience a feeling of stiffness in their bodies.

For some, this shows up as aching, painful joints, which can reduce motivation for exercise and create worry or confusion about doing the wrong thing.

In my line of work, I regularly hear clients talk about arthritis with a sense of defeat, under the impression that there is nothing that can be done.

But I’m here to tell you that’s a long way from the truth.

The old adage “If you don’t move it, you lose it” gets rolled out on a regular basis for good reason.

I believe there are four areas that are of particular importance to consider as people move into retirement and commit to active aging: movement, strength, balance and confidence.

The role of flexibility through the hips, pelvis and lower back is of particular importance.

I often see tension in this area placing unnecessary postural strain on the lower back, buttock and hip region, which results in pain.

This can have a huge impact, from being unable to play golf or walk the Bells track with friends, to struggling to find a car park that isn’t an overwhelming distance from your favourite cafe.

Ways to help at home include exploring new activities that reduce the load and impact on joints. Have you considered cycling, swimming, tai chi, qi gong, aquearobics, yoga or personal training?

In any activity there is a varying degree of intensity, so when you do step into something new go at your own pace and ability. It’s not about doing it the best or working hard, it’s simply about moving your body.

Exploring different activities and doing them regularly, results in natural shift in strength, because you’re using new muscle groups.

It can also improve your spatial awareness and balance because we’re testing ourselves in different directions.

Discovering new, enjoyable ways to get moving gives us more confidence. Trusting our body’s ability to golf, garden, walk, pick up grandkids, put on socks and shoes, surf – whatever it is you love – helps keep to keep us happy.

Lastly, the support of a knowledgeable, caring manual therapist can be invaluable in keeping able and active.

If you’re curious about how osteopathy may be able to support you in staying active during the winter months or have a painful, stiff joint (or two) we welcome you to call the clinic with any individual questions you may have.

Dr Laura Walsh is an osteopath at Quay Osteopathy in Torquay.