Maintaining Your Mobility As You Age

Spending so much time in hospital supporting my Mum this year has allowed me to observe a wide variety of people and how they move. So many of the patients in the Aged Care ward use a walking frame to shuffle tentatively along while staying close to a wall. Others have completely lost their mobility altogether and can't sit up without assistance.  This loss of independence is devastating for the person and confronting to watch.  You may not have control over some of the conditions you may be diagnosed with in your later years but if you are currently able-bodied you do have control over maintaining your mobility as you age.

The Importance of Maintaining Muscle Mass

We naturally start to lose skeletal muscle as early as our 40s unless we take action to prevent this from happening. This process is called sarcopenia and is exacerbated by chronic illness, poor nutrition, some medications, and lack of physical activity.  Loss of muscle mass is associated with an increased risk of falls, fractures, and decreased mobility. We've all seen an elderly person who is very frail and appears to be skin and bone which is because they have lost their muscle mass. Taking simple steps now to actively maintain or increase your muscle mass while you can, can keep you independent and enjoying your retirement years for much longer.

The Psychological Effects of Losing Your Mobility

Losing your ability to move freely means you have lost control of your life and are dependent on others for your survival.  It means you have limited choice about where you live and may have to move to a nursing home. This loss of independence can be a very disempowering feeling leading to feelings of sadness, frustration, and isolation. It also leaves you at risk of developing several life-threatening illnesses. One of my clients refers to her 15 years of Pilates training as her "insurance" during her later years. In addition to twice weekly Pilates with me, she includes daily walks, gardening and additional 10 min sessions of Pilates in her weekly schedule.  She says she has peace of mind that she is doing everything she can to maintain her mobility as she ages which is very reassuring for her.

Have Fun Maintaining Your Mobility

In my last blog post, I talked about the concept of Pilates -  little and often.  Practicing Pilates in small amounts regularly shouldn't feel like a chore, it should be enjoyable and something you can weave into your life without too much effort. My library of on-demand videos allows you to practice "on-demand" when it suits you in your home, office, or while you are travelling.  Then add some other activities that you enjoy such as walking, aqua aerobics, gardening, swimming, and cycling - there are so many activities that will contribute to maintaining your mobility as you age. It's all about finding what works best for you!

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

While it's true that it's never too late to start Pilates, in reality, once you are ill and bedridden and unable to move without assistance the harsh truth is that it is too late.  If you are already actively maintaining your mobility with Pilates and other forms of movement - that's fabulous, keep going! If you haven't given it much thought now really is the time to begin to improve and maintain your mobility -  not when you are old, frail, and dealing with a serious health condition.

My book MOVE FREE FROM PAIN by Joanne Sutton contains more information about maintaining your mobility as you age and is available on Amazon worldwide. I  offer 1 on 1 Pilates sessions virtually via Skype and the personalised nature of these sessions ensures you are following a Pilates program of exercises that are ideal for you.

If you are ready to start Pilates email me at [email protected] .  Alternatively, you can book an Initial Assessment with me here or  take the free 10 day trial of JS Mind Body Pilates, my online studio which is a library of on-demand videos, and start straight away.  It would be my pleasure to assist you on your Pilates journey to maintaining your mobility as you age!