Do you occasionally catch yourself groaning while stooping to pick up a dropped item, or wincing when you reach for something on a high shelf?
If so, you’re not alone. As we age, flexibility becomes one of the first physical abilities to decline. However, it’s one of the most important to preserve.
Good flexibility can help reduce stiffness, improve circulation, and reduce joint pain. Just as important, flexibility supports balance, range of motion, and coordination, all important elements in reducing fall risk, according to Mayo Clinic.
Many of us here in The Villages® have seen a friend or neighbor’s life change dramatically after a fall. Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults. CDC data indicates that one in four seniors experience a fall each year, often leading to lengthy hospital stays and reduced quality of life. However, many falls are preventable.
By keeping muscles and joints limber, we’re better equipped to catch ourselves when we stumble or navigate uneven terrain. Even just 5-10 minutes of targeted stretching a few days a week can help us become more confident in our movements.
If you’re not sure where to start, Aviv Clinics’ personal trainers offer Morning Mobility Stretch sessions every Tuesday in the courtyard at the Center for Advanced Healthcare at Brownwood (2955 Brownwood Blvd.). Designed for older adults, these sessions feature safe, gentle stretches to enhance flexibility and mobility.
Please bring your own yoga mat and register in advance at www.aviv-clinics.com/events. We hope to see you there!
Aviv Clinics
Mohammed Elamir, MD, FACP
Physician, Aviv Clinics
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