Today, we are going to talk about something very important: how physical therapy can help people over 60 years old.
Meet James, a spirited 65-year-old who loved his morning walks in the park, cherished his weekends playing golf with friends, and was always ready to play with his grandkids. However, as the years rolled on, James started noticing that his legs were not as strong as they used to be, his back ached a little more than usual, and those morning walks felt more like a chore than a pleasure.
Like James, as we navigate through our 60s, many of us feel that our bodies are slowly betraying us. Those beautiful golden years we looked forward to spending in recreation now seem to be sprinkled with little bouts of health concerns here and there. It seems like aging has thrown us a curveball, making our daily activities and favorite hobbies more challenging.
But it doesn’t have to be this way! Imagine if you could regain that skip in your step, the strength to swing your golf club, or the ability to stay active and enjoy time with your loved ones without worrying about a looming backache or the risk of a fall. This is a very achievable reality!
This is where physical therapy revitalizes your body and spirit, one session at a time!
What Happens When We Get Older?
You may have noticed or heard a loved one talk about feeling stiff or having aches and pains as they get older. Well, it’s true that our bodies undergo various changes as we age. When people reach the age of 60 and above, they sometimes find that their muscles aren’t as strong as they used to be, and they might not move as quickly.
Let’s explore some of the most common physical changes we experience as we get older:
Joints: As we grow older, our joints might not be as limber as they were when we were younger. Conditions like osteoarthritis can make joints a bit achy and less mobile.
Muscles: When we’re older, our muscles are not as strong as when we were kids or adults. We lose muscle mass, and with it, we lose strength and reaction time to respond to daily challenges.
Balance: Keeping a good balance can become challenging as we age, leading to slips and falls. Changes to our vision also impact the changes to our muscles and joints, which lead to difficulties with our balance.
Getting older is a natural part of life, but it can sometimes bring some changes to our bodies that we might not be too excited about. Thankfully, with the help of Foundation Therapy physical therapists, you can continue to enjoy your favorite activities and even try new ones while keeping your bodies happy and healthy!
How Our Physical Therapists Can Help
Like James, many of us might feel slower and less sturdy as we age. Fortunately, our physical therapists are here to help you get back into action. We’ll start by conducting a comprehensive evaluation, including a physical examination and medical history, to understand your physical abilities and overall health.
Next, we’ll design a program to address your specific needs, including:
Mobility Exercises: We’ll guide you through gentle stretches and mobility work to ease the aches in your joints and improve your overall ability to move.
Strengthening Exercises: Our therapists will teach you targeted strengthening exercises to improve your ability to react and regain your power. Strong muscles mean we can safely continue doing all the things we love.
Balance and Gait Drills: Physical therapists can teach us special exercises and drills that make us more stable so we can walk safely without worrying about falling.
Our experienced therapists will help guide you to a happier and healthier life, where morning walks are a joy and playing with the grandkids is a breeze!
If you or someone you know is over 60 and wants to take great care of their health, visiting Foundation Therapy can help you learn how to take care of your body so you can enjoy life to the fullest, doing the things you love most!
Remember, age is just a number; with the right help, everyone can enjoy a wonderful life!
Return to PT at Foundation Therapy!
Miss feeling your best? Come back to Foundation Therapy and let us help you get there—schedule your appointment today!
Around The Clinic
Foundation Therapy is here to support your family’s health and wellness as you settle into the new school year routine. Whether it’s ensuring your child’s backpack is ergonomically friendly, addressing any post-summer sports injuries, or helping parents manage the stress of busy schedules, our team is dedicated to your well-being. Let’s navigate this exciting time together with personalized care and expert guidance. Remember, a healthy start leads to a successful year ahead.
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Patient Spotlight:
“When I came to Foundation Therapy, I had suffered a fall and broken femur. I was barely able to walk through the doors on a walker. Over a period of time, I am now able to walk most places without a cane. It wasn’t always easy, but the staff was patient with me. The careful, caring team at Foundation Therapy have helped me be able to return to an almost normal (within reason) life. I highly recommend Foundation Therapy. They provide thoughtful therapy in a good-natured, supportive, Christian environment.”
— Gary Y.
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Healthy ecipe:
Easy Tasty Chili
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (16-ounce) cans red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 (14-1/2-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
- 2 to 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
Cook first 4 ingredients in a large skillet over medium-high heat, stirring until beef crumbles and is no longer pink; drain. Place mixture in 5-quart slow cooker; stir in beans and remaining ingredients. Cook at HIGH 3 to 4 hours or at LOW 5 to 6 hours. If you want to thicken this saucy chili, stir in finely crushed saltine crackers until the desired thickness is achieved.