As we age, our bodies get injured more easily. That’s a fact of life, but you can avoid serious injury at any age by following some basic guidelines from the Seacoast Online website:
- Stay physically active. Keep your body moving as much as you can to avoid stiffness and pain associated with arthritis, which grows worse the less you move. Regular, moderate exercise can decrease the impact of meniscal tears and bulging discs.
- Eat a healthy diet. Green leafy vegetables like kale, spinach, and arugula help keep your bones strong and durable. So do nuts, fish, and grapefruit. Unprocessed oatmeal, raisins, blueberries, and unsalted nuts can keep your heart healthy as you age. Check with your doctor on what diet is best for you.
- Maintain your balance. Slips and falls can cause fractures and broken bones, so keeping your balance is crucial. Practice by standing on one foot while you brush your feet or wash the dishes. Try walking on your heel or toes for a short distance. Yoga and tai chi can also help you promote balance.
- Strengthen your core muscles. Keeping your core—abs, hips, and buttocks—strong will help you stand and sit more erect, as well as prevent back and neck pain and help you feel more energetic in general. Pilates is one good technique for getting and keeping your core in shape.