As we grow older, our bodies inevitably change. With the passage of time, many individuals notice that they no longer move as freely or with the same range of motion they once did. This is particularly noticeable for those who spent their younger years running, dancing, or enjoying various physical activities. Over time, however, free time becomes scarce, and habits shift, often leading to more sedentary lifestyles. These changes can result in discomfort, stiffness, and a decrease in mobility. But what if aging didn’t have to mean getting stiffer?
For many people, as they enter adulthood, life begins to place more demands on their time, and physical activity often takes a backseat. Hours spent sitting in front of a desk or behind a steering wheel can cause the body to become stiff, especially in areas like the hips, shoulders, and lower back. Eventually, this lack of movement leads to aches and pains that some may attribute to the natural aging process. However, this doesn’t have to be the case. In fact, staying flexible and maintaining your range of motion is not only possible but also incredibly beneficial for your overall health as you age.
Dr. Kelly Starrett, a physical therapist and former professional athlete, explains that one of the most important aspects of maintaining a youthful body as you age is preserving your range of motion. According to Starrett, just because you get older doesn’t mean your body has to become stiffer or less capable. “The one thing that doesn’t have to change over the whole lifespan is your range of motion,” he says. This statement challenges the common belief that stiffness and decreased mobility are simply a result of aging.
Starrett also points out that, for many years, the medical community hasn’t paid as much attention to mobility as it has to other aspects of health, such as blood pressure or body temperature. While we now have clear benchmarks for things like blood pressure or heart rate, there has been a lack of standardized measurements for mobility. However, Starrett encourages a shift in how we approach the concept of mobility. He defines it as the ability to access and control your body’s natural range of motion. The real question, according to him, is whether you can move your body the way you want and whether maintaining or improving your mobility leads to a better quality of life.
So, what can you do to keep your body flexible as you age? Starrett suggests that it’s important to start focusing on exercises and activities that help improve mobility, rather than simply focusing on strength or endurance. Stretching, yoga, and gentle movement practices like tai chi can all play a key role in improving flexibility and mobility. Additionally, even something as simple as taking short walks or doing gentle stretches throughout the day can make a significant difference in maintaining your body’s range of motion.
Ultimately, staying flexible as you age is not about avoiding the natural process of aging, but about taking proactive steps to maintain your body’s functionality and comfort. By focusing on mobility and engaging in regular physical activity, it is entirely possible to enjoy the benefits of a more flexible and active body, no matter your age.
