4 Ways to Maintain an Active Lifestyle with Age

It’s your birthday! You are another year older and obviously not as young as you used to be, but you are not ready to slow down completely just yet. You want to continue being active—good for you! Just because you’re getting up there in age doesn’t mean that life has passed you by. But how can you keep your activity level up as your body ages? Read on to find out four valuable tips!

Make Smart Small Decisions

Being active doesn’t necessarily entail your having to run a marathon every day. In fact, you can keep up your activity level through little lifestyle choices, such as parking in a faraway spot at the store or taking the stairs instead of the elevator.

As you age, you also need to set more realistic fitness goals for yourself. You may not be able to lift as much as you once did, but you can keep your body strong and limber by adjusting how much you lift or how you exercise. If you would like to increase your activity level, do it slowly to avoid injuries.

Stretch Often

When you’re active, it’s easy for your muscles to get tight and stiff, which is why stretching on a consistent basis is important, especially before and after a workout. In fact, you may want to stretch every day! Taking a few minutes to stretch can prevent injuries and give you easier range of motion.

Be Active with a Partner

Staying active can benefit not only your physical health but your mental health as well. You can be social during activities by bringing a partner or friend along with you. Having someone to hold you accountable is a great way to stay on track with your goals, and it’s more fun! Plus, there’s safety in numbers, meaning if one of you gets injured, the other can call for help or assist.

Work with a Chiropractor

If you want to lead an active lifestyle as you get older, you will probably need some professional support at some point. A chiropractor offers minimally invasive treatments, such as spinal adjustments and other therapies, in addition to light physical fitness training. They can demonstrate appropriate exercises that will be gentler on your body and teach you proper form and stretches, setting you up for success.

Ultimately, having an active lifestyle is possible, regardless of your age. By following these tips, you can keep moving, stay safe, and have fun for many birthdays to come!

About the Author

At Wills Chiropractic, Dr. Chad Wills welcomes patients of all ages. As an avid adventurer, he loves being outdoors, cycling, running, and swimming, and he supports aging patients wanting to pursue their own active lifestyles. He is certified in Chiropractic Biophysics, one of the most studied protocols in the field. If you would like to work with Dr. Wills, you can contact our Naples office by visiting our Contact Us page here or calling 239-331-6060.