Corporate Fitness and Active Aging

Move It or Lose It!

You wake up one day, and something feels "off." You helped your friend move into their new apartment yesterday, so you expect to be a little sore. As you take your first step out of bed, a jolt of electricity shoots up your leg, and your knee buckles. You stay down on your bad knee, staring at the ground in shock. It's happening.

GettyImages-1486147497I call this the "Awakening." Simply put, you are realizing that your body is feeling the wear and tear of life to this point. It’s that realization that at 40 years old, you shouldn't move through life like you're 20. The point at which an individual becomes self-aware of these aches and pains varies from person to person. Some people don’t have substantial damage to their body and can probably make it well past their 20s before being bothered. My experience, like a lot of other athletes I've talked to, is one where we start to feel the damage a bit earlier than expected. It's like a car that is supposed to be driven ten thousand miles a year but is instead driven twenty thousand. The good part of the awakening process is that it is your call to action!

Awareness is often the first step in meaningful change. If we can acknowledge that we aren’t getting any younger and that our bodies are going to break down as we age, we can start to put a plan together to at least slow down the process. I am a firm believer that movement is medicine, so in the rest of this post, I will address fitness regarding aging. Here are three key principles to help you combat the wear and tear on the body as you age through health and fitness:

  1. Warmups and Mobility Work Are Your Best Friends
    Just as a newer car can heat up quickly, an older car might need a few minutes to warm up. The same applies to our bodies. If I went to play soccer without warming up like I was a teenager, I would need a stretcher back to my car. Be sure to include a solid dynamic warmup before any form of exercise. Mobility drills, especially for the shoulders and ankles, can also really help with injury prevention and aging gracefully.
  2. Be Honest with Yourself
    You wake up and look in the mirror every day. For the most part, we all can at least generalize what fitness level we are at. If I had a scale of 1-5, with 5 being a professional athlete-caliber workout, why would I try those at level 1? Be real with yourself and scale the intensity and exercise selection to your current fitness level.
  3. Consistency Is the End Goal
    From my experience working at a retirement community, the people who were in the best physical condition at seventy-plus years old were those who got their exercise in daily. Whether it was group fitness, individual time on the stationary bike, or walking the dog, they made sure to make it work for them. Consistency trumps all because it will allow the body to build strength and resiliency to combat the inevitable weakening that comes with time.

While becoming aware of one’s own limitations may seem discouraging, a slight shift in perspective can help. Imagine having the freedom to move through life without restriction. Ultimately, I believe we desire freedom. Our body is something we have control over, so take matters into your hands and liberate your future self today.

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Topics: joint health healthy habits stretching injury prevention exercise habit healthy aging

Neuromotor Connection in Older Adults

In the realm of healthy aging, one of the critical aspects often overlooked is the neuromotor connection in older adults. As individuals age, the intricate connections between the nervous system and motor functions become increasingly vital for maintaining overall well-being. Understanding and nurturing this connection can contribute significantly to preserving mobility, preventing injuries, and enhancing the quality of life in the later years.

GettyImages-649645444The neuromotor connection refers to the intricate interplay between the nervous system and motor functions, encompassing a complex network of signals that regulate movement, coordination, and balance. In older adults, this connection undergoes natural changes, influenced by factors such as age-related neuronal alterations, decreased muscle mass, and changes in proprioception. The neuromotor systems can effect the human body in many different subsets of health.

The Impact of Aging on Neuromotor Function:

  • Neuronal Changes: As individuals age, there is a gradual decline in the number of neurons and synapses, affecting the speed of nerve impulses. This can result in slower reaction times and diminished coordination.
  • Muscle Atrophy: Sarcopenia, or age-related muscle loss, is a common phenomenon in older adults. Weakening muscles can lead to decreased strength, making everyday activities more challenging and increasing the risk of falls.
  • Proprioceptive Changes: Proprioception, the body's ability to sense its position in space, tends to decline with age. This can impact balance and coordination, making older adults more susceptible to accidents.

Strategies to Enhance the Neuromotor Connection:

  • Regular Exercise: Engaging in a well-rounded exercise routine that includes aerobic, strength, flexibility, and balance exercises can help maintain and improve neuromotor function. Activities like walking, resistance training, and yoga have shown benefits.
  • Cognitive Training: Incorporating cognitive exercises into a daily routine can stimulate the brain and enhance the connection between the nervous system and motor functions. Activities such as puzzles, memory games, and learning new skills contribute to overall brain health.
  • Proper Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in essential nutrients is crucial for maintaining muscle mass and supporting neurological health. Adequate protein intake is particularly important for muscle preservation.
  • Regular Health Check-ups: Periodic check-ups with healthcare professionals can help identify and address potential issues early on. This includes assessing factors like vision and hearing and assessing side effects of medication that may impact neuromotor function.

The Role of Technology in Enhancing Neuromotor Function:

Innovations in technology, such as virtual reality and exergaming, offer exciting opportunities to enhance neuromotor connections in older adults. These technologies provide interactive and engaging platforms for physical and cognitive exercises, promoting both mental and physical well-being.

As the global population continues to age, understanding and addressing the nuances of the neuromotor connection in older adults becomes paramount. By adopting a holistic approach that combines physical activity, cognitive stimulation, and proper nutrition, we can unlock the secrets to healthy aging, enabling older individuals to maintain their independence, mobility, and overall quality of life. Embracing these strategies empowers individuals to age gracefully, with vitality and resilience.

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Topics: nutrition adapting to exercise brain health brain fitness