“Age is just a number” right? We’re all getting older but how can we slow the hands of time to stay healthy and active?
Through my work I meet many people who have had accidents that have stolen time and joy from their life. Falls that have led to fractured wrists, ankles and hips. When this happens it often starts the downward spiral of loss of strength, mobility, confidence and an overall inability to just get on with life and work.
We can all probably think of one person who has had a fall and injured themselves significantly and a good number of the people I meet often say “I never thought it would happen to me.” In some ways, life is a constant fight to keep what you’ve got. The “use it or lose it” principle does hold true in many cases.
The tricky part is finding the motivation to challenge yourself to regularly get out of your comfort zone and work to keep ‘young.’ Why do you want to stay healthy and strong? Is it to be able to play with the kids or grand-kids rather than just being a spectator? Is it ticking the Cradle Mountain Overland Track off your bucket list or running 21km up a mountain!? Maybe it’s being able to maintain your garden or live in your own home for as long as possible.
If it is important for you to make a healthy change and regain some quality years that is awesome! But maybe like a deer in headlights you find yourself overwhelmed with the vast and varying amount of information on the internet, not knowing where to start or what is right for you. Did you know for example that there are multiple reasons for poor balance (apart from bad luck) and that you may require specific testing of multiple body systems to understand the reasons for falls or loss of balance?
Luckily, as Health Professionals and science advocates, Physiotherapists are educated in conducting, evaluating and interpreting the latest research findings into Health and Well being. We would love to help you navigate your way into a commitment to ageing purposefully. If we haven't got all the information or answers that you seek, we will happily point you in the right direction of someone who has. Send us a message or give us a call if you have any concerns.
#anewmovement