Certain age-related changes, such as greying hair and wrinkles are unavoidable. We also know that as we age, we experience changes to muscles, bones and joints. While we once thought that these changes were also inevitable, research has shown that many factors associated with physical ageing are as a result of inactivity and can be avoided<\/a>, or at least slowed down by keeping the body active. In fact, at least half of the age-related changes to muscles, bones and joints are caused by disuse<\/a>.<\/p>\n
Regular physical activity can help reduce or reverse our risk of experiencing disability and chronic disease as we age. However, recent studies have shown that less than 1 in 10 Australians over the age of 50 are not doing enough exercise to improve or maintain their physical fitness<\/a>.<\/p>\n
As we age, our muscles lose their size and strength. This reduction can result in feelings of tiredness, weakness and a lower ability to tolerate exercise. These changes are caused by a number of different factors that are all interconnected:<\/p>\n
The structure of our bones changes as we age. We experience a reduction of bone tissue and lower bone mass, which results in weaker bones. This is why older adults are more at risk of a serious injury as a result of a fall or other accident. The reasons that our bones become less dense as we age are as follows:<\/p>\n
As we age, the amount of lubricating fluid inside our joints decreases and the cartilage in our joints thins. Our ligaments also shorten and lose some flexibility. This results in the movement of our joints becoming stiffer, and as such, we are less flexible. <\/p>\n
These changes to the joints are often the result of a lack of exercise, as movement of the joint, helps to keep the fluid moving in the joint. When we are inactive, the cartilage shrinks and stiffens, which reduces mobility of the joints.<\/p>\n
Regular physical activity can help to prevent age-induced changes to muscles, bones and joints. In many cases, it can also reverse some of the changes that have already occurred, so it\u2019s not too late to start living a more active lifestyle. Exercise has proven to have the following benefits:<\/p>\n
Before starting a new exercise program, it\u2019s important to consult your doctor or health professional, particularly if you haven\u2019t exercised for a while. For older adults, adults with a chronic disease, or both, a doctor, physiotherapist or exercise physiologist can help to ensure the exercise program that you are taking part in is safe to do.<\/p>\n
Why not join our Ageing and Dementia Support Network Group aligned with the BrainSparks \u2013 Connections Facebook page<\/a> to take part in our movement programs online. Or, for more information on this article, or the\u00a0other services that we provide<\/a>, don\u2019t hesitate to get in touch with Brain Sparks.<\/p>\n
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