Aging and Exercise: What You Need to Know to Stay Fit

Stewart G. Eidelson, MD
SpineUniverse Founder, Orthopaedic Surgeon
South Palm Orthospine Institute
Delray Beach, FL
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Is it possible, like fine wine, to get better with age? In some ways, by staying healthy and remaining active, we can. In fact, studies show that older people who maintain active lifestyles that include exercise experience fewer health problems as they age.

How Aging Affects Your Body
The progression of aging and its effects on how we function differ widely among individuals. Over the course of time, the normal aging of tissue causes changes to the anatomy. This is especially true in degenerative changes of the spine. In most people, these changes are gradual. In fact, many people have degenerative changes and don’t know it. They may only become aware of these changes when being examined during a routine check-up.

Degeneration of the spine is complex and often unpredictable. Changes in the anatomy as a result of aging affect the structure and the function of the spine. They may appear in one specific part of the spine (segmentally), in a region of the spine (cervical, thoracic, or lumbar), or throughout the spine (globally). When degenerative changes occur in the joints, accompanied by pain and swelling, it is referred to as osteoarthritis. Other degenerative conditions that affect the spine include:

The good news is that there are steps you can take to avoid or reduce your risk of suffering from back pain as you get older. The most important thing you can do is to keep your spine and the rest of your body healthy through exercise. Regular check-ups with your doctor are also important.

How Exercise Helps
Here are the facts:

  • Most older adults don't get enough physical activity.
  • Lack of physical activity and poor diet combined are the second largest underlying cause of death in the United States (after smoking).
  • Exercise can help older people feel better and enjoy life more, even those who think they're too old or out of shape.
  • Regular exercise can improve some diseases and disabilities in older people who already have them. It can improve mood and relieve depression, too.
  • Staying physically active can help prevent or delay certain diseases (like degenerative spinal disorders) and disabilities as people grow older.

For more information on healthy living, visit the Longevity Center at Everyday Health

Last Updated: 03/05/2009
Continue Reading: Aging and Exercise: Choose Safe Activities
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Editorial Board Comments on SpineUniverse
SpineUniverse is committed to ensuring that all information on its site is trustworthy and of the highest quality. To maintain the site's quality, SpineUniverse relies on its exceptional Editorial Board. The Editorial Board is a "Who's Who" of more than 60 leading spine specialists, including surgeons, pain management specialists, chiropractors, nurses, physical therapists and more.

Peer Review by Leading Specialists

    Doctor Eidelson writes a thoughtful and compact article on the importance of exercise as we age. Both the title and content tell the story well. As we age, many things happen, not the least of which is the disconnect between our brains and our bodies. That is to say, we often 'think' we can do things our bodies can no longer do. Doctor Eidelson's advice is an important reminder to do a reality check on our lives. Get the proper clearances, ask the appropriate questions and START SLOWLY! This is the kind of article that those of us who are 'baby boomers' should print and put on our refrigerators as reminders to 'do it' right.
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