Why do aging adults end up in assisted-living facilities? It’s right there in the title: It comes down to not being able to get up off of the floor. It may sound harsh, but it’s a very real thing.
The reason aging adults go to assisted-living facilities is loss of independence. As we age, basic movement becomes much more difficult. People retire, become less active, and they have fewer reasons to get up and out of the house. Things change, and their muscles atrophy. The term “use it or lose it” is true!
That’s why it’s so important to stay active as we age. We need to establish an exercise routine to preserve our independence as long as possible. This will improve our quality of life,increase longevity, and minimize our reliance on others for our day-to-day basic needs.
The fitness needs of the aging population should translate to your daily life. What is standing up from the toilet? An air squat. What happens when someone falls and gets back up? A burpee. How do groceries get unloaded from the car? With a farmer’s carry. What is picking up a grandkid off the floor? A deadlift.
Aging adults may not break gym records, but they can certainly perform modified versions of most exercises, and a well-trained coach will know how to guide them.
Strength training is critical for aging adults, because it helps prevent and reverse osteoporosis (brittle bones). Even minor slips and falls can result in broken bones for aging men and women with low bone density. Lifting heavy objects increases bone density, and reduces risk of injury. Extra muscle protects your ligaments from serious injury. Even just showing up to the gym gives us interaction with other people boosting our mental health.
Big group fitness classes may or may not be appropriate for all aging adults. At Faith Fitness Gym, we have 50-plus-year-old athletes, and they do great in classes. Others choose to start with private sessions. The point is that they get or remain active.
Our gym is not full of elite athletes. Most of us are not running to exercise competitions. We joke about being “average joe’s” all the time, but that’s not why most of us work out. We should all work out every day so that we can keep our independence—and so we will never be trapped on the floor.
Inspiration provided by Stacy Boil at Faith Fitness.
Maintaining Independence as You Age: The Crucial Role of Strength and Mobility in Preventing Falls
