Evidence suggests that those of us who age well have reduced chronic illnesses and recover quickly from illness. We will also have reduced need for supportive care e.g.- use of a care facility. An article in the National Library of Medicine discusses the global problem of increased disability as we age.
Ageing is a global problem. According to the World Health Organization, the number of people over 65 will increase to 1.6 billion in 2050. This is 16% of the world’s population. Ageing is associated with health-related problems and substantial medical cost. Disease patterns among the elderly also shift to chronic non-communicable diseases. These include cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and dementia. In the US, England, and Europe, approximately 43%–59% of adults aged 50–74 years experienced more than one mobility impairment. Aging with disability demands long-term care.
The estimated duration of long-term care for Americans is approximately 2 years. One-seventh of the US population need long-term care for more than 5 years.
Studies about successful ageing have emerged in the past 20 years. Older adults who aged successfully maintain their function and experience morbidity and disability for a shorter period.
Successful ageing is a multidimensional concept and overlaps with “healthy aging,” “ageing well,” and “positive aging”. It means preserving life quality and reducing the health burden caused by ageing. Evidence has shown that it decreases the risk of long-term care.
It is a multidimensional concept and overlaps with “healthy aging,” “ageing well,” and “positive aging”.
Many factors affect successful ageing, including physiological, psychological, social, and lifestyle factors. Physical activity is an important lifestyle factor that can delay the onset of chronic diseases. It can increase longevity and survival, and improve cognitive and physical functions in the older people.”
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7244057/
I turned 55 last week, yep… so I’m beginning to think about how healthy I will be as I age. I have also been looking at what I can do to “Age Well”.
My job is very physical. However, I know the positive effects regular exercise now will have on my health as I age. There’s lots of published evidence to prove this, some of which I’ll be discussing in my next email.
Many patients already do regular exercise and come to maintain their mobility. This allows them to continue to participate in the activities they love, like yoga and Golf.
Some come regularly for an “MOT” e.g. monthly, to make sure any problem areas don’t become a limiting issue. For example, making sure wear in your hip doesn’t cause more discomfort or even a low back problem.
We also have patients who don’t exercise because of pain or worry about causing an injury.
We have developed a supportive programme of 1:1 sessions for you with our team. That’s Ruth our physio and our osteopaths & massage therapists, aimed at slowly supporting patients back to mobility and exercise.
We are offering a reduced fee block booking of six treatments with our team from January 2024. Your bespoke programme will include:
1. First Appointment- We schedule an hour-long appointment with your practitioner. We discuss your goals, assess your mobility or confidence issues. We then we get the team together to prescribe a programme over 6 weeks to meet your aims.
2. You will see different practitioners according to your needs. For example, an osteopath for mobility and treatment, Physio for focused 1:1 exercise, massage therapist for flexibility.
3. A further assessment on week 4, we reassess goals and discuss progress and alter the programme according to needs.
4. By week six we hope to have met your goals and have you ready for sustained activity through spring.
All the evidence suggests maintaining mobility and exercise makes for a much healthier retirement. I started gentle weightlifting last May and I feel stronger, with more energy. I am really motivated to carry on knowing I’m banking up improved health to reap the benefits later.
We have a database of trusted Pilates instructors, Yoga teachers, personal trainers who we are confident in referring you to. Were happy to chat to any of your teachers or PT’s about what we feel is safe for you. So please don’t hesitate to contact us to make a block booking for our programme.
Over six weeks these appointments would normally cost £308. With our expert team consulting on your plan we are offering more than 15% off your total booking.
Call Donna or Megan to discuss or book your first 1 hour appointment as a new patient appointment online at
https://theosteopaths.janeapp.co.uk/
and we will take your 15 % discount off when you arrive.
