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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:
- Osteoporosis
- Degenerative Disc Disease
- Spinal Stenosis
- Spondylolisthesis
- Osteoarthritis
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
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