Use it or Lose it!

Older people “should exercise to build muscle – even in their 80’s! “

A new review suggests it will help with everyday tasks. 

“Aging and the loss of muscle strength is a gradual process,” said Professor Liu from the Occupational Therapy Department of Indiana University in a recent press release. 

“Older adults may not realise that they are losing muscle strength and that this loss may force them to give up things that they used to do”, she said. “They give up little by little, first making fewer trips for grocery shopping, cooking less often and then taking fewer showers. The next thing you know they are far down the path to disablement.”

“A decline in muscle strength because of age and sedentary lifestyle often undermines older adults’ ability to live independently. Having to depend on others to complete self-care tasks, places these individuals at risk for placement in a nursing home.”

Exercise programmes can help older adults build muscle strength and maintain their independence.  “Simply having enough strength to do things such as carrying groceries makes a difference to their lives.”

Whilst regular exercise used to be considered a risk factor for arthritis, causing wear and tear on the joints, there is growing evidence, that exercise can prevent joint problems by building up the muscles that protect joints. Strong leg muscles help support knee and hip joints, helping to relieve pain and stiffness.

Strengthening muscles helps prevent falls. It helps improve balance and mobility, enabling people to walk more sure-footedly. And strong muscles enable people to get up from their chair and climb stairs more easily. 

It doesn’t matter how old you are or what health conditions you may have, almost everyone, even in their nineties, can do some gentle exercise to improve their muscle strength. Gentle exercise in the evening can mean less stiffness in the morning.

Exercise does not have to be an inconvenience. It’s an opportunity!  And the good news is, that many muscle strengthening exercises, can be done sitting down. 

While sitting watching TV or working at a desk, an Aircycle inflatable exerciser and circulation booster provides an easy way to keep joints and muscles moving. It helps to strengthen them to improve balance and mobility, relieve pain and stiffness, reduce swollen ankles and cramps and improve circulation.

“Do today what others won’t, so you can do tomorrow what others can’t.”

Click here  for more information about the Aircycle.