Don’t let the title fool you…This message is really geared for those younger than 65. Because disability does not just turn a switch and appear at age 65. What you do in the 5, 10, 15 years prior makes a significant difference.

What kind of disability am I talking about here? Well, simple activities such as grocery shopping, gardening, simple house repair, plus cooking/cleaning. You could even include recreational activities such as golf, tennis, hiking or even walking. These are all tasks most individuals feel comfortable completing in their 30s, 40s and maybe 50s. But then as we age, some of these tasks start to become more difficult. Or they just take more effort to complete.

I am nowhere near this arbitrary line I am writing about, but I see these changes in my parents now. Gone are the days of my dad doing yard work from 7am to 5pm with just a lunch break. We did this many times when I was younger. After years of pestering, he finally understands this and paces himself better. It is now a greater effort for my mom to complete weekly grocery shopping. This was true even before her stroke and now requires twice as much effort.

Now some of this you may say is simply normal aging. To a degree, you are right. BUT, things can be done to prevent or at least slow this decline. What you may be asking yourself? Well, for starters addressing small issues and not just waiting to see if/when they get better. You know, that nagging knee pain that is there every time you walk up/down steps. Or that sore/aching back for 1 hr every single morning. Or even that shoulder pain with reaching into a cabinet.

What tends to happen is people start to avoid those painful or difficult activities. And before long, you start to lose motion or strength (not that you realize it right away). It is just like growing as a child, you do not recognize it in the moment, but it just happens.

It is amazing asking clients to perform some movement during a session and watch them realize they struggle to do something simple. Most did not realize until it was pointed out to them because they compensated for so long. This then creates a scenario where we must work to overcome these hurdles again.

Another thing to combat this decline…regular EXERCISE. Pick something you enjoy. Seek to continue to challenge yourself just like when you were younger. Certainly modify to be age appropriate. Be a kid again. Do something that pushes you for endurance, strength, balance, motion.

****CAUTION**** Injury can happen doing dumb stuff so lets attempt to be smart here. Don’t know where to start? If you are concerned about your general health, start with your family physician for a physical. Have a REAL CONCERN about your strength, motion, balance, daily function or even pain? Then I would suggest a physical therapist. We are the muscle, bone, joint and FUNCTION experts. We can guide you to where you want to go. Or just looking to start a new exercise routine and not injured? Find a pilates instructor, yoga teacher or personal trainer to assist you.

Bottom Line: What you do NOW will impact your life years down the road. Learn how a physical therapist can help you continue to live the active life you want. Click HERE to gain access to the most asked questions about how a physical therapist can help people like you.