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Do you know what the life expectancy of the average Canadian is? For women it is 84 years, and for men it is 79 years. When you think about it, that’s a really long time on this earth. If you are a 40-year-old woman, you could live at least another 45 years or so, maybe longer. While most of us just live for today, a wise person thinks about the future and invests in his or herself so that aging gracefully is a probability, not just a wishful thought.
4 Ways Physiotherapy Helps You Age Gracefully
Aging gracefully has a lot more to do with overall health than mere looks. It mainly encompasses the way we feel. An older individual who does not have many health problems has aged well, no matter what he or she looks like. Still, physically healthy people do tend to look younger even in old age.
You can facilitate good health as you age by participating in a physiotherapy program. Physiotherapy will help you age gracefully because it promotes…
- Physical balance – Falls are one of the leading causes of death in Canadians. The best protection against falls is good balance, physical strength, and body awareness. Physiotherapy fosters all these things.
- Mental health – Did you know that physiotherapy is amazingly effective at improving mental health? In fact, certain physiotherapists specialize in helping individuals achieve mental health. Emotional and mental health is critical to aging well and should be pursued by those who want to have a long, healthy life. Read more about how physiotherapy positively impacts mental health here.
- Good posture – Nothing ages a person like poor posture. A hunched-over stance is one of the hallmarks of old age, but it doesn’t have to be. A physiotherapist can help you attain and maintain great posture now and in the future. Good posture helps prevent wear and tear on joints and keeps the spine in proper alignment, both of which ease the process of aging.
- Proper body weight – Being overweight doesn’t just affect a person’s looks; it also threatens their health. The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute’s article What are the Health Risks of Overweight and Obesity? states that overweight or obese individuals have an increased risk of developing coronary heart disease, high blood pressure, stroke, type 2 diabetes, abnormal blood fats, and other conditions. Physiotherapy promotes a healthy weight by integrating regular physical activity into a person’s routine.
Like anything, aging can be a positive or negative experience. We don’t have total control over what our experience will be, but we can steer it in a positive direction. How? By participating in a physiotherapy program. Keep in mind that no one is ever too old to start physiotherapy. Don’t hesitate to reach out to a physiotherapist, no matter your age.