Working Through Mobility Issues

Mobility is a key component to maintaining independence as we age. Although most of us are well aware of this fact, it is something we take for granted in our early years and often assume that only the elderly deal with. However, mobility issues are not only a problem of old age. According to a recent study, 32% of people who experienced major mobility issues said their problems began at age 50 or under. Up until 150 years ago, the average life expectancy in Westernized countries was 35 years old so arguably our bodies are not designed to live as long as we do now. Although scientific advances have played a major part in increasing our longevity, we still need to make ourselves a priority so that we are able to do the things we love far into our 80’s and 90’s. If you are going to take the time to ensure you maintain your mobility throughout the years, here are some fabulous ways to ensure you are getting the most from your efforts: Go get a massage and let a registered professional do the work for you. Registered Massage Therapists are experts in soft tissue dysfunction and joint complications in the body. They are fully trained to treat and prevent injury, pain and physical disorders. An added benefit of this service is that it is often covered by your extended medical. In this case, there is really no reason, financial or otherwise, not to take time to look after yourself. Exercise and stretch. To improve mobility you do not need to run 10 kilometers every day, but you should take time out to get outside and enjoy the world around you. 20-30 minutes of daily activity is enough time to ensure the proper care and maintenance of our joints and soft tissues. Also, ensure you take time to stretch those muscle fibers before any activity. Stretching is key to ensuring that muscles and tendons stay limber and are able to deal with the impact of the various activities that we take on throughout the day. Maintain a proper diet with supplementation if needed. A proper diet is critical in avoiding chronic health and mobility issues. The food we choose to put in our bodies provide us with not only the energy we need, but the necessary vitamins and minerals that make up the most important components of our body. If our bodies become deficient then there is a higher likelihood that chronic illness will set in. For instance, osteoporosis, a condition where our bones become too brittle, is often cause by a deficiency in Vitamin D and Calcium. This can be avoided with adding a supplement to your diet or ensuring you are eating the right foods that provide these vitamins and minerals such as dairy products and green leafy vegetables. Taking care of yourself at a young age can have a huge impact on your health later in life. However, that does not mean that you cannot start now. The true impact of mobility issues do not always end with frustration at the slowing of pace, it can also lead to other chronic disorders and feelings of isolation, depression, and anxiety. Avoid all of this by taking care of yourself today so you can enjoy tomorrow.