Elder Care Provider Provides Tips for Maintaining Good Posture Despite Ageing
Announcement posted by Tall Trees Care Communities 01 May 2014
Proprietor of private alternative to aged care in Brisbane reveals how to maintain a youthful posture well into old age.
Australia, 1 May 2014 - For many, one of the most stereotypical images of old age is a “dowager’s hump” and slumped-over posture. However, a leading residential aged care provider in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast says that old age doesn’t necessarily mean that a person’s posture has to suffer. According to Phil Usher, founder of Tall Trees Care Communities, an elderly person can take plenty of steps to prevent poor posture.
The main documented causes of poor posture are a sedentary lifestyle, weakened muscles in crucial areas around the spine and bone density loss due to osteoporosis. Preventive measures include exercise, diet, supplements and medical care.
Exercise
Poor posture is caused by weakened muscles and bones. When bones become weakened to a point of pathology, it is called “osteoporosis.” Bones weakened by osteoporosis, combined with chronic poor posture or weakened muscles, can cause a “dowager’s hump” in which spinal vertebrae fuse together into a hump between the shoulder blades.
Weight bearing exercises, such as weight-lifting, bicycling, walking and stair-climbing help strengthen the bones, thanks to a concept known as “Wolff's Law.” According to Wolff's Law, bones will evolve in shape and density according to the demands placed upon them. When an ageing person lives a sedentary lifestyle, it can cause the bones to lose density due to a lack of demand placed upon them.
The other component of exercise is that it can both stretch and build muscles. Similar to Wolff's Law but pertinent to soft tissue, Davis’ Law says that muscles become stronger or weaker based on demand. In other words, “use it or lose it.”
In particular, the muscles around the spine should be both strong and flexible to ensure that posture is good. Weight-lifting, yoga and Pilates are all great for building and stretching muscles. Pilates concentrates more on the “core muscles,” while yoga is a whole-body system of health. Personal trainers and doctors can recommend weight-lifting exercises to isolate particular muscle groups.
Diet and Supplements
A diet rich in whole foods such as lean meat, fruits and vegetables often supplies the nutrients one needs to maintain bone density into old age, but supplements can be helpful. In particular, vitamin D and calcium are important to maintain bone density. We recommend consulting a health professional about diet and supplements on a regular basis.
Medical Care
It is important to receive medical advice on a regular basis to maintain bone and muscle as a person ages. A doctor can run tests to tell you exactly what you need to maintain bone density and muscle health. The doctor can monitor your diet and recommend medicine if necessary.
An Insider’s Viewpoint
Phil Usher, co-founder of Tall Trees Care Communities, has a unique opportunity to observe those who are maximising their health as they age. According to Mr Usher, “We may not be able to live forever, but we can get a lot more out of our lives than many imagine. We strive to provide our residents with the tools to add years to their lives and life to their years.”
Tall Trees Care Communities are an alternative to private aged care centres in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. Residents own their own homes and have access to all of the amenities of a world-class aged care facility as well as 24 hour access to medical care. For more information, call (07) 3442 9378 or visit their website: http://www.talltrees.net.au/.
The main documented causes of poor posture are a sedentary lifestyle, weakened muscles in crucial areas around the spine and bone density loss due to osteoporosis. Preventive measures include exercise, diet, supplements and medical care.
Exercise
Poor posture is caused by weakened muscles and bones. When bones become weakened to a point of pathology, it is called “osteoporosis.” Bones weakened by osteoporosis, combined with chronic poor posture or weakened muscles, can cause a “dowager’s hump” in which spinal vertebrae fuse together into a hump between the shoulder blades.
Weight bearing exercises, such as weight-lifting, bicycling, walking and stair-climbing help strengthen the bones, thanks to a concept known as “Wolff's Law.” According to Wolff's Law, bones will evolve in shape and density according to the demands placed upon them. When an ageing person lives a sedentary lifestyle, it can cause the bones to lose density due to a lack of demand placed upon them.
The other component of exercise is that it can both stretch and build muscles. Similar to Wolff's Law but pertinent to soft tissue, Davis’ Law says that muscles become stronger or weaker based on demand. In other words, “use it or lose it.”
In particular, the muscles around the spine should be both strong and flexible to ensure that posture is good. Weight-lifting, yoga and Pilates are all great for building and stretching muscles. Pilates concentrates more on the “core muscles,” while yoga is a whole-body system of health. Personal trainers and doctors can recommend weight-lifting exercises to isolate particular muscle groups.
Diet and Supplements
A diet rich in whole foods such as lean meat, fruits and vegetables often supplies the nutrients one needs to maintain bone density into old age, but supplements can be helpful. In particular, vitamin D and calcium are important to maintain bone density. We recommend consulting a health professional about diet and supplements on a regular basis.
Medical Care
It is important to receive medical advice on a regular basis to maintain bone and muscle as a person ages. A doctor can run tests to tell you exactly what you need to maintain bone density and muscle health. The doctor can monitor your diet and recommend medicine if necessary.
An Insider’s Viewpoint
Phil Usher, co-founder of Tall Trees Care Communities, has a unique opportunity to observe those who are maximising their health as they age. According to Mr Usher, “We may not be able to live forever, but we can get a lot more out of our lives than many imagine. We strive to provide our residents with the tools to add years to their lives and life to their years.”
Tall Trees Care Communities are an alternative to private aged care centres in Brisbane and on the Gold Coast. Residents own their own homes and have access to all of the amenities of a world-class aged care facility as well as 24 hour access to medical care. For more information, call (07) 3442 9378 or visit their website: http://www.talltrees.net.au/.