Aging is just part of life but your physical body and mind does not need to feel like it is falling apart and holding you back. As we age, our joints naturally ‘wear and tear’ which often leads to Osteoarthritis and we lose muscle tone. With these changes aches and pains can start to occur. Physical therapists like Osteopaths, chiropractors, physiotherapists and acupuncturists can help us with the aging process. Whilst physical therapists can not prevent arthritis, they can help your body adapt to the changes that occur with age.
What is healthy aging?
This refers to your wellbeing, enabling us to perform basic needs, learn, grow and make decisions, be mobile, build and maintain relationships and contribute to society. Aging does not have to negative or scary, just a change of life’s pace and daily activities. From slowing down from the work force, to taking up new hobbies, traveling around New Zealand and achieving things on your bucket list.
Physical therapists can all help with healthy aging in their own way. Osteopaths are a form of hands-on physical therapy, that treat the whole body, rather than just where the patient is experiencing pain. Tailored advice is given to the patient, which may include; lifestyle changes, stretches, exercises etc. Chiropractors specialise in ‘spinal manipulation’ to increase the spinal joints mobility and relieve aches and pains. Physiotherapists generally have an exercise based approach to relieving aches and pains. Acupuncture is one of the most known forms of Chinese medicine and often used in conjunction with Chinese herbal medicine, moxibustion (heating needles) and Chinese massage. The Chinese approach to acupuncture is based on energy lines, where the western approach to acupuncture is based on targeting dysfunctional (sore) tissue to restore function.
Physical therapy can help healthy aging by keeping your joints mobile and flexible, loosen tight muscles, improve circulation and lymphatic drainage, giving tailored advice to help you get the most out of your day.
Some top tips to help you with healthy aging
- Move your body every day
- Take up a new hobby
- Join local groups that interest you
- Create a bucket list of things you want to achieve
- Learn a new skill
- Keep social with friends and family
- Avoid sitting all day
- Create a new routine and structure to your day so you don’t feel lost
- Eat a well-balanced and healthy diet
- Ask for help when you need it
Sarah is an osteopath, based in Milford, that treats a wide range of aches and pains, specialising in the older and wiser population, helping them get the most out of their day, without pain and physical limitation holding them back.
