Fitness isn't just for young people anymore. As America's population ages, more older adults are becoming interested in fitness, including flexibility-building programs, as a way to improve their quality of life and prevent injuries. If you haven't given a thought to stretching recently, you might consider it. Flexibility can do a lot for you as you get older.
Fall Prevention
More than a third of adults aged 65 and older fall at least once a year. Falls are the number one cause of hospitalizations for older adults, and according to the AARP, an older adult dies as a result of a fall every 35 minutes. AARP, in conjunction with Temple University Gait Study Center, recommends older people engage in flexibility-building exercise programs, such as yoga, because these programs have been shown to improve balance and reduce the likelihood of falling.
Stress Relief
Stress is everywhere; vanishing retirement accounts and increasing retirement age aren't helping anything. Fortunately, stretching is a simple -- and free -- way to help keep yourself calm. MayoClinic.com reports that stretching relieves stress by helping tense, tired muscles relax. Other medical experts agree; FamilyDoctor.org recommends stretching, particularly the muscles of the neck and shoulders, as an easy stress-relief technique.
Pain Relief
As the body ages, aches and pains start occurring more often. Stretching can help prevent and relieve pain. Stretching helps improve circulation, which increases blood flow to muscles and joints and can help relieve the pain of arthritis. AceFitness, the official website of the American Council on Exercise, also reports that stretching helps prevent lower-back pain and post-exercise soreness.
When and How To Stretch
To get the maximum benefit out of stretching, you need to know when and how to do it. If stretching is part of your normal fitness routine, MayoClinic.com recommends stretching after your warm-up; warm muscles stretch more easily than cold ones. Also, MayoClinic.com recommends holding each stretch for 30 seconds and not bouncing; bouncing, reports the clinic, causes small tears in your muscles, which decrease your long-term flexibility.
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