With an ageing population and the threat that more and more of us will have to work to an older age, it’s hardly surprising that we are hearing concerns from an increasing number of our patients of the impact that their age related health and well-being will have on the quality of their life.
This has recently been confirmed by consumer research that the British Chiropractic Association has recently unveiled:
- 1 in 5 (20%) of people aged 55+ are most worried about becoming less active as they age
- 48% of people aged 55+ admit that they are a lot less active than 20 years ago
- 51% of people aged 55+ are currently suffering from back or neck pain and 33% of those complained that they suffer daily and 24% stated that they have endured some kind of back or neck complaint for more than 10 years.
The research also explored how back and neck pain is impacting on people’s daily lives. The findings revealed that:
- 13% of those aged 55+ and suffering from back or neck pain, experienced difficulties with going to work
- Additionally, 13% found that their pain impacted on their family and social life
- The other main areas of concern related to being restricted in undertaking tasks such as carrying bags/rucksacks, carrying out DIY, exercising and even sleeping.
At Muswell Hill Chiropractic Clinic, we believe that the quality of our patients’ lives does not always have to be adversely affected by their age. We aim to offer our patients advice and guidance to help them remain active as they age as we know how important this is to their well-being and continued good health.
While we understand that our bodies start to slow down naturally, here are 6 simple everyday steps that you can take to help you stay active whatever your age!
- Stay active to be active. Sounds too simple, but it works. Adding just a few minutes of exercises or stretches to your daily routine can be of benefit.
- Walking is a great way to stay active. So many of us underestimate the significant benefits to us of simply walking, which is less strenuous on our joints than other forms of exercise. Walking is also weight bearing and so can help maintain bone density which is important as we age.
- A moving joint is likely to be less painful than a static joint, so even simple movement, stretches and gentle exercise can help relieve pain.
- Poor posture can have a significant impact on the health of your back and neck, therefore it is important to maintain good posture. The Straighten Up Uk programme is a 3 minute exercise programme specifically designed to help improve and maintain good posture. You can access it here at StraightenUpUk.
- Look to increase your levels of activity in simple ways: where possible walk instead of taking the car or public transport. When you do walk, do so at a slightly faster pace than you normally do. Also, where feasible, take the stairs instead of the escalator or lift. The more additional exercise we can do the better.
- Keep your water intake up. Your body will work better when it is hydrated allowing your muscles and joints to work more efficiently and suffer less fatigue.
These are 6 simple tips to keep you healthy longer. Remember, if you have a particular condition, before you start on new exercises, always check to make sure the exercises are right for you.
If you are currently suffering from back or neck pain or have any concerns with staying active as you age then don’t hesitate to contact us at Muswell Hill Chiropractic Clinic.
Dylan Paydar at Muswell Hill Chiropractic Clinic
Committed to helping the health and well-being of people in North London
Including Muswell Hill, Finchley, Highgate and Southgate
Dylan Paydar at Muswell Hill Chiropractic Clinic