Getting older is something we will all face, and aging can come with its own stresses and worries. Oftentimes these worries stem from the fact that we believe the aches and pains of aging are inevitable, and will result in a slow diminishing of our ability to live active, independent lives.
This does not, however, need to be the case.
There is a lot we can do to exercise control over the way we age and the amount of independence and pain-free activity we enjoy as we grow older. And physical therapy can play a huge role in setting us up for the successful aging we want to experience.
Balance
One of the main areas to focus on to promote healthy aging is balance. Physical therapy is an excellent way to build up and maintain your body’s ability to right itself, reducing the risk of injuries that can result from losing your balance and not being able to recover it before falling.
Strength
Strength training is a huge benefit to mobility. As we age, our muscle fibers naturally experience some decline, leading to decreased strength. With less strength, our ability to safely and independently complete everyday activities from walking and bathing to shopping and cleaning can be impaired. The way to slow this decline is through strengthening those muscle fibers so we are in the best possible condition to carry out not only our everyday tasks, but to enjoy leisure and fun times with family and friends. A good physical therapist can create a care plan that helps you work towards the goal of strengthening your muscles so you can remain active and independent.
Endurance
Endurance is your ability to maintain activity over time without becoming so tired that you have to stop sooner than you want to. Physical therapy can help you build up your endurance so that you are able to keep the amount and pace of activity that you want in your life.
Physical Therapy As Part Of A Successful Aging Strategy
Physical therapy can provide the guidance and modalities to increase and maintain your balance, strength, and endurance. These are the pillars of good mobility, range of motion, and ability to engage in activity, but they are only one piece of the puzzle.
Successful aging takes a comprehensive effort that involves the benefits of physical therapy for balance, strength, and endurance with wellness-supporting habits like good sleep and nutrition, along with social interaction, meaningful activity, and mental stimulation.
When aging is approached holistically and methods like physical therapy are used as part of an overall plan for successful aging, many of the fears and stresses fade away and are replaced by enjoyment and excitement about what this stage of life has to offer.
Are you wondering how aging will affect you or a loved one? You can take control of your own successful aging, and you can start with physical therapy to increase and maintain your balance, strength, and endurance. Reach out to the professionals at Core 3 Physical Therapy today to talk with a certified physical therapist about your plan for remaining active and independent as you grow older!