How Assisted Stretching Is Beneficial for Older Adults

When we're young, our muscles and joints are strong and flexible, but they become weaker and less flexible as we age. As a result, our range of movement starts to decline. This can affect our mobility. For example, older adults often have limited opportunities to be physically active outside the house. 

An often-overlooked fact is that assisted stretching techniques or a stretching regimen are actually essential. Older adults can see their quality of life improve since regular stretching will reduce their aches, contributing to a longer life. 

Here are some of the major reasons why stretching is majorly beneficial for older adults:

Arthritis & Pain Reduction

Osteoarthritis, the most common form of arthritis, is a standard part of the aging process. There's simply no way to avoid it. That's because it's rooted in the cartilage between joints breaking down gradually until it's lost completely.

The facet joints, found between vertebrae, are affected by osteoarthritis quite heavily. At that point, the accompanying pain is often felt in the neck or lower back regions. Moving those joints can lead to considerable difficulty and pain. This is where regular stretching comes in, benefitting older adults in such a way that range of motion and muscle elasticity see notable improvement.

A good rule of thumb is to use a heat pack in order for stiff muscles to be warmed up prior to any stretching. Afterwards, ice pack application should happen for joint swelling to be minimized. In cases where they cannot do the stretches, elderly people can get aid from assisted stretching.

Energy Levels and Blood Flow Get A Boost

Taking on a dynamic stretching routine improves the blood circulation of the body. It gradually increases a person's heart rate and blood flow as they slowly warm up their muscles. Use a low-intensity form of stretching to keep muscles loose so they don't stiffen up while the person exercises.

Aside from range of motion improvement, warming up for any activity is best done with stretching. Dynamic stretches include arm swings, jumping jacks, lunges, and shoulder circles. 

Poor Posture Improvement

It's far easier to say "sit up straight" than it is to actively practise that in real life. Despite that, far too many people end up spending years of their lives hunched over a desk as they pursue careers. 

Alongside the considerable decline in body water content, this habit affects flexibility and elasticity. In turn, ligaments and tendons will tighten in the shoulders and chest. Over time, aside from poor posture, this will lead to pain in the shoulders and lower back.

To improve flexibility, older people should stretch regularly so that tendons, ligaments, and muscles become looser, allowing for a greater range of motion. Senior strength training exercises will do well when paired with assisted stretching or a stretching routine to balance weaker muscles. Poor posture will also be better corrected this way.

Conclusion

Older adults are bound to end up with osteoarthritis as part of the aging process. Thankfully, there are ways to relieve the pain with that and improve elder flexibility in general. Assisted stretching is a great way to address this.

Looking into assisted stretching in Sydney? Check out Stretch Studio today! We’re the first one-on-one assisted stretching concept in Australia, aiming to help people with mobility and flexibility.