Vitality - Summer 2012 - (Page 14)

QRA: HEALTHY AGING Generation Boomeritis SIDESTEP THE ACHES AND PAINS PLAGUING THE GENERATION THAT REFUSES TO SLOW DOWN WHAT KIND OF INJURIES ARE BOOMERS EXPERIENCING? “The most common injuries we find in this crowd include tendon injuries, arthritis issues, hip fractures and muscle strains,” says Ron Smith, M.D., board-certified orthopaedic surgeon in practice at Parkview Orthopaedic Clinic in Bolivar. “The problem is that they think their bodies should work like they did 30 years ago.” At this age, injuries take longer to repair themselves, too. “Our bodies don’t heal as quickly, and some injuries, like hip fractures, can lead to more serious health issues,” Smith adds. To read pa ers hav tient testimo nia ed paedic ealt with a va ls on how oth riety o condit f or ion citizen smem s and injurie thos, visit orial. and cli ck “Tip com/vitali ty s from Other Boome rs.” Get Tip from O s t Boomeher rs The boomer generation is starting to retire—and redefining what that looks like. Boomers are entering their later years with unprecedented vigor, doing everything from in-line skating to running half-marathons, often with little regard for their aging bodies. We answer your questions about the connection between baby boomers (now ages 48 to 66) and orthopaedic injuries, and oﬀer tips for staying active and injuryfree into your 50s, 60s and beyond. HOW DOES AGING AFFECT BOOMERS’ PHYSICAL ACTIVITY? “The main thing is that we lose elasticity in our connective tissues as we age,” Smith says. “We don’t have the range of motion we used to, and we may be carrying around extra weight. In addition, we often lose our core strength and balance.” If staying active into your 50s and 60s sounds perilous, take heart. People who exercise typically live longer than their sedentary counterparts and have a lower risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, breast and colon cancers (among others), depression and mental decline. In other words, “the beneﬁts outweigh the risk,” Smith says. HOW CAN BOOMERS REDUCE THEIR RISK OF INJURY? “The most important thing is to adequately warm up, which pumps synovial fluid through the joints and helps the muscles become more elastic,” Smith says. He also stresses the importance of maintaining all-around ﬁtness with a balanced routine, getting proper instruction and having the right equipment for the job. “Good shoes go a long way,” he adds. And listen to your body. “Know your personal limits,” Smith says. “You don’t have to ‘act your age,’ but you do need to know when to take it easy.” 14 | S U M M E R 2 0 1 2 343 percent Increase in gym memberships in those ages 55 and older from 1987 to 2003, according to the International Health, Racquet and Sportsclub Association. http://www.citizensmemorial.com/vitality

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Vitality - Summer 2012

Vitality - Summer 2012
Contents
‘Not a Hitch in Her Giddy-Up’
Health Beat
Circle of Influence
Words of Inspiration
Heart Smart
Q+A
Going the Extra Miles
Support Groups Calendar

Vitality - Summer 2012