How stretching can benefit your loved one

As the body grows older, mobility can be increasingly difficult to maintain due to weakened muscles and joints.

One way to treat this is by performing stretches that can help with the development and maintenance of strength, flexibility, as well as increased circulation and blood flow.

LifeSpan has listed 4 additional benefits that stretching can provide for your loved one.

1. Reduces lower back pain and arthritis

Arthritis is a common condition as the body ages and is often developed in the hips, knees, neck, fingers, and toes, and is typically the cause of lower back pains. Often it can lead to tingling, weakness, and numbness in the lower back, buttocks, and legs, which can be rather painful.

Doing regular stretching can help manage and reduce the resulting pain as it elasticises stiff muscles in the joints, thus improving flexibility and range of motion. It is recommended that prior to stretching, stiff muscles should be warmed up with a heat pack and cooled down with an ice pack after in order to minimise soreness.

2. Reduces the risk of falling

When the hamstrings, quadriceps, and the lower back are stretched, it can help to avoid the risk of falling. It can also enhance balance and stability, which increases mobility in the joints.

3. Improves poor posture

The consumption of water becomes increasingly important to your body the older a person gets as it can have an effect on your elasticity and flexibility. A lack of water can cause ligaments and tendons to tighten, which often results in poor posture, hence lower back and shoulder blade pains.

Stretching routines can help your loved one to loosen up tightness in the body, which if continued regularly can help correct poor posture and improve flexibility.

4. Increases blood flow and energy levels

You can increase circulation and nutrient flow throughout the body by performing a particular form of low-intensity stretches called dynamic stretching. Some examples include:

• Arm swings
• Shoulder circles
• Lunges
• Leg swings
• Half squats

Doing this not only lengthens muscles but also increases the body’s energy levels, which can be vital for your loved one in order to maintain independence, remain social, and sustain health.

Stretching can benefit your loved one with numerous advantages. Other low-intensity exercises, such as pilates, yoga, water therapy, and walking, can further complement healthy aging. With great strength, mobility and flexibility, comes a greater quality of life.

Read the full article here.