Every living thing grows old and changes. One ideal example of this is the human body. Wrinkles form, skin thins, hair color fades, and joints become stiff through the loss of lubrication. Fortunately, in many cases, aging can be reversed, or at least reduced, by today’s incredible technological advances. Could you assist your loved one in preventing medical intervention needs when it comes to their joints? The fast answer here is, “Yes.” But there’s more to it.
Even before problems set in, joint health can be improved. Through anti-aging treatments, the overall health of an individual can be optimized. Treatments can include protecting joints, excellent orthopedic care, nutritional and lifestyle counseling, and more.
As your loved one ages, you can help them keep their joints in top condition by following the suggestions below.
The Body’s Joints Are Talking – Listen to Them
The body has an amazing method through which it tells us we are putting undue stress on certain parts. It’s called pain. When the body and joints speak, people should listen.
The next day, following strenuous activity, you may experience sore muscles. That’s normal. However, muscle pain and joint pain differ. Joint pain can cause the following:
- Locking
- Weakness
- Unusual warmth
- Redness
- Stiffness
- In some cases, popping or clicking may be audible symbols of joint issues
Your loved one, if they experience the above-listed symptoms, should discuss with their doctor what they were doing and the symptoms they experienced afterward.
Additionally, to avoid more damage, your loved one should start early treatment if arthritis is setting in.
Weight Loss
This only makes sense. The heavier a body is, the more severe the load on joints. Overweight individuals can help lessen the demand put on their joints by healthily losing weight. Here’s a staggering statistic: Every time you run, walk, or stand, an additional 4 pounds of pressure is put on your knees for every pound you’re overweight. Ouch!
If that doesn’t sound like a lot, consider this: Your knee joints are experiencing an extra 120 pounds of pressure if you’re a mere 30 pounds above your appropriate BMI.
Warm Up Before Exercising
This is, of course, assuming that your loved one exercises in the first place – which they should. But before embarking on an exercise routine, it’s important to warm up sufficiently. This prepares muscles for exercise. Older adults who exercise need to let their joints know what’s coming by moving and stretching muscles before exercise.
Whatever movement will be involved in the exercise – running, weightlifting, tennis, golf, etc. – those same movements should be mimicked (to a lesser degree) during warm-up.
Be a Quitter – Smoking, That Is
By now, we all know that smoking is bad for us. At the top of the list of negative effects from smoking are lung cancer and heart disease. However, your joints can also be affected. Don’t hinder your ability to recover if you’ve already suffered joint damage by continuing to smoke.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Then Hydrate Some More
Wherever they go, you see some people carrying a water bottle. That’s because the importance of hydration is finally becoming common knowledge to any number of people. However, some still don’t get it.
For weeks, a body can live without food. The body can only go for about three days, however, without water. Particularly at risk for dehydration, older adults may experience negative bodily function effects without enough hydration – that includes joint problems. Because joint tissue is mostly water, dehydration can lead to osteoarthritis and joint pain.
Health and Wellness Opportunities for Retirement Age Adults
Residents at Rittenhouse Village At Michigan City can enjoy participating in our Dimensions Health and Fitness program. Here, life’s important aspects – emotional, social, intellectual, medical, spiritual, and physical wellness – are the focus. Through educational opportunities, exercise classes, spiritual gatherings, and more, residents are provided an interesting but fun source of activities for the spirit, body, and mind.
