How Assisted Stretching Can Benefit Older Adults

As individuals get older, they tend to slow down. Standing up from a chair and getting in and out of bed become progressively difficult. A decline in muscle strength and flexibility are typically to blame for these limits. 

In time, our range of motion decreases, and our strength diminishes, making it more difficult for us to do everyday tasks. Because of this, it can be pretty tricky for seniors to retain their mobility by themselves.

To keep your flexibility, it's necessary to integrate a regular stretching regimen into your everyday routine. This can be helpful for various areas in the body, including the neck, arms, back, hips, and legs.

Assisted stretching can help older adults become more flexible, stronger, and have better blood flow as they age. This article will run you through the various benefits of assisted stretching for seniors.

How Is Stretching Good for You?

Stretching regularly can provide several health benefits that can improve your overall quality of life. These benefits can include:

Clearing Pain and Body Aches

Stretch and flex programs for older persons have been shown to improve mobility in research published in the Journal of Gerontology. Their physical fitness, self-efficacy, self-perception of functioning, and well-being were significantly enhanced as a result. They also noticed a reduction in their pain levels.

Seniors with spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis can avoid painful symptoms by performing frequent, aided stretching exercises. In both cases, pain and discomfort can be alleviated by the use of assisted stretching.

To increase their range of motion, flexibility and elasticity, patients need to use the correct equipment and a qualified practitioner.

Avoiding Slips and Falls

Every year, one in every three senior citizens experiences a fall. In addition, there are 2.5 million of them who need immediate medical attention. 

However, the risk of experiencing a fall can be reduced if older adults make it a point to stretch frequently with the aid of an expert practitioner. They get stronger and more flexible in their hip joints, hamstrings, and lower back through stretching.

Improving the Posture

The suppleness and flexibility of the chest and shoulder ligaments and tendons decrease with age. This results in a forward head posture, a rounded upper back and shoulders, and forwards pushing hips in the senior population. 

Regular stretching sessions with a practitioner who can release these tight ligaments, tendons and muscles can help rectify bad posture.

Staying Independent

Proper blood and nutrient circulation are improved by stretching. In this way, the body would have the energy it needs to move independently.

Think about simple things like tying your shoelaces or combing your hair that you do regularly. These skills may have been effortless when you were younger, but they may be a little more difficult now. Focusing on flexibility will help you maintain a healthy body and enjoy life to the fullest without sacrificing your health.

Keeping You Safe

One out of every three seniors who has a severe fall each year should be reason enough to take flexibility seriously. As a result, if your ankles and hips aren't flexible, your body will find it challenging to retain balance and correct itself when you misstep. 

Practising flexibility can help older adults avoid falling. This way, you are preventing significant injuries such as broken bones.

Conclusion

Flexibility is a crucial factor to overall health. Older adults can benefit significantly by practising stretch therapy regularly. It helps improve their range of motion, balance, strength, and general well-being.

Do you want to try assisted stretching in Sydney? Stretch Studio is Australia's first one-on-one assisted stretching studio. Book a stretch today!