Aging has a way of humbling us.
We lose hair where we want to keep it and often end up growing it where we don’t.
Our eyesight starts to fade, and our waistline tends to expand.
As the years go by, your pace may slow, and the fear of the dreaded “senior shuffle” starts to set in.
However, these changes to how we walk also known as gait changes are more than just inconvenient.
They can have serious consequences for our health and independence.
When you experience significant changes in the way you walk, your mobility can decrease, and that loss of mobility puts you at a higher risk for falls.
That’s why keeping your lower body flexible and preserving your ability to move freely should be a top priority as you age.
The good news is that you don’t need a gym membership, a personal trainer, or even a physical therapist to help you stay mobile.
With a little effort and consistency, you can do it yourself from the comfort of your own home.
That said, if you do want to treat yourself to any of those services, there’s no harm in that either.
For many of us, though, our daily movements are limited.
Sure, we walk from place to place when needed, and we bend over to do chores when we have to, but that’s often the extent of our physical activity.
This is where change needs to happen.
If we want to maintain mobility as we age, we must introduce more diverse movements into our routines.
What do I mean by that?
Think about the movements of a basketball or tennis player on the court.
They’re constantly twisting, turning, lunging, and pivoting in different directions.
This kind of movement helps their bodies stay agile, flexible, and ready for anything that comes their way.
Now, don’t worry—you don’t need to become a professional athlete to enjoy the benefits of these kinds of movements.
There are plenty of simple exercises you can do to challenge your body and maintain your mobility as you age.
For example, if you enjoy playing sports with others, picking up a hobby like pickleball will help keep you moving in all directions.
If you prefer solitary workouts, adding some lunges to your routine can do wonders for your flexibility and overall mobility.
It’s normal to feel a bit awkward when you first try lunges, but with consistency, your mobility will improve and stabilize.
The key is to break out of those familiar, comfortable routines and embrace the new and dynamic ways your body is designed to move.
Don’t let aging become an excuse for letting your mobility slip.
You have the power to take control of your body’s future, and it starts with committing to move in new and exciting ways.
So why not get started today?
You can begin by adding just a few new movements into your daily routine, and you’ll notice the difference in no time.
For more tips on how to maintain flexibility and mobility as you age, check out these helpful resources from trusted experts: American Heart Association on staying active and British Heart Association.
