7 Ways to Keep Joints Healthy as You Age
Humans might not think about their joints that much unless they have an ongoing issue that may disrupt their daily activities. The joints are responsible for stable movements and a healthy lifestyle. Thus, they should be cared for every step of the way.
Many people tend to focus more on joint care when approaching their retirement age, which is okay but risky if one had substantially neglected them earlier. Keeping joints healthy as you age has never been easier than with the following tips and advice.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise can go a long way in guaranteeing healthy joints as you age. There has been a misconception that exercises can cause or increase the chances of joint issues, but that’s a pure lie. If done well, exercise can substantially increase body flexibility, coordination, and balance alongside other health benefits.
They also protect the cartilage against damage from inflammation, stiffness, and extended immobility, keeping joints healthy as you age. A qualified fitness trainer is all you need to take you through the journey. Even without a trainer, moderated exercises such as nature walks, swimming, bike riding, and morning runs can be a great way of keeping joints healthy.
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Body weight significantly influences one’s joint health, especially among older adults. Research reveals that being overweight or obese is the leading facilitator of joint-related illnesses such as arthritis and pains.
To avoid such misfortunes as you age, you should watch your weight not just when approaching your 60s but from as early as your teenage days. You can always engage a weight specialist to discuss healthy routines and weight loss and determine where and how to improve.
Go for Osteopathy
Embracing osteopathy is another way of keeping joints healthy as you age. An osteopath works in a branch of medicine that strictly focuses on achieving significant muscle and joint health by diagnosing and treating prevailing and possible conditions.
Most popular osteopathic treatments for possible joint diseases are done through massages, stretching, muscle and joint balancing, nutrition, exercise, and other related modifications. The medicine manages various joint issues such as arthritis, headaches, neck and back pains, and inflammation simultaneously. With that, you can be assured of super healthy joints as you age.
Embrace Anti-inflammatory Foods
Did you know that food choices significantly influence joint health, especially as you age? Some foods can increase the chances of joint complications, such as oily fish, refined grains, red and processed meats, fried foods, junk foods, and refined sugars.
To keep your joints safe and flexible in your old age, you can embrace anti-inflammatory foods such as leafy greens, berries, seeds, nuts, and controlled amounts of fatty fish. These foods free your joints from inflammations that could negatively impact their functionality as you age.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate!
The adult body comprises 60% water, which helps form the synovial fluid that protects the cartilage against damage and transports nutrients to the joints. Therefore, drinking enough water can be a great way of keeping your joints healthy as you age since it keeps them flexible and lubricated.
Lack of enough water in the body raises the risks of muscle cramping, mainly revealed through severe joint pains and imbalance. Doctors recommend at least eight cups of clean water daily for outstanding outcomes.
Visit and Listen to the Doctor’s Advice
People often strive to treat joint issues using over-the-counter medications without visiting the doctor for further examination. Unfortunately, even the pettiest pain in your knees can be the genesis of potential life-changing arthritis if not addressed adequately and early enough.
That’s why you should see a doctor whenever you experience any signs that may raise concerns of arthritis and strictly adhere to the medication and advice offered.
Difficulties in moving or going about your daily activities, joint stiffness or tenderness, warmth or reddish joints, and swollen joints also call for your doctor’s immediate attention. Even without the above experiences, you should keep your doctor updated on your joint health.
Stop Alcohol Consumption and Cigarette Smoking
Cigarette smoking and alcohol consumption can harm one’s joints and bones. For instance, drinking increases the chances of fall accidents, which can turn into severe joint complications in the long run.
Research proves that amongst elderly individuals with arthritis, those who smoke and drink (heavily or moderately) have higher chances of intense joint pain and damaged cartilage than their counterparts; therefore, even if you cannot quit smoking or drinking alcohol, at least do them moderately to keep your joints healthy as you age.
Joint pains and related complications can negatively affect one’s lifestyle if not diagnosed and treated early enough. Therefore, the best move is to keep the joints healthy from your young-adult days going forward. Fortunately, there are so many ways you can achieve that at your convenience. Prevention is always better than cure!
