Old age was once considered something to be scared of, but modern medicine and healthcare have increased life expectancy considerably. In the United States, life expectancy is nearly 78 years.
The challenge people face now is not how to accept a short life, but staying active until the very end of life.
At our physical therapy clinic in Augusta, GA, we work to promote active living for seniors. Our physical therapy services enable the elderly to age gracefully.
Here’s some advice to help you lead a better, more active life:
1. Nutritious Diet
The nutritional requirements of our bodies change as we age.
Maintaining a healthy diet becomes more important, so you should ensure that you’re consuming wholesome food that meets all your dietary requirements.
2. Exercise
The need for exercise also becomes more urgent as you grow older.
Staying physically active benefits you physically and mentally, as it fends off various harmful conditions of the body and mind.
3. Physical Therapy
Physical therapy has solutions for auto accident injuries and post-operative rehab, but it also has a lot of benefits for seniors.
When working with an Augusta physical therapist, you can expect:
- Improvements in balance and coordination
- Stronger muscles and bones
- Better movement techniques to prevent overexerting your body
- Greater self-confidence and self-esteem
A physical therapist creates a treatment plan specifically for you, taking into account your personal limitations and any problem areas that need special attention.
4. Social Connections
It’s easy for seniors to feel isolated. It isn’t always easy to make new friends, and their social circle keeps shrinking, but the effort it takes to maintain healthy social connections is well worth it.
Having friends and an active social life can reduce feelings of loneliness. Feeling loved and appreciated prevents feelings of depression and sadness.
5. Hobbies
Along with maintaining friendships and connections with other people, seniors can benefit physically and mentally by spending time pursuing their hobbies.
Many people rediscover a love for their childhood hobbies much later in life, whereas others choose to cultivate new interests as they get older.
The key is to find what works best for you. If there’s a favorite pastime that you left behind due to personal, professional, or family commitments, this is the perfect time to pick it up again.
6. Learning New Skills
Science says that learning a new skill—whether it’s a language, an instrument, or a physical activity—can slow cognitive decline and keep the brain healthy.
Having a healthy brain is essential to having a productive and meaningful life at any age.
Maintaining brain health is even more essential for seniors, as it can decrease their risk of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s Disease or Lewy body dementia.
Our Augusta physical therapy services can help you improve your quality of life at any age. Our team of highly experienced physical therapy specialists in Augusta, GA, makes it easier for you to navigate the challenges of old age.
Our physical therapy treatments in Augusta, GA, minimize the pain and discomfort of arthritis, and the damages of strokes, falls and osteoporosis. Book your FREE discovery session by getting in touch with us today.