Movement for Life: Maintaining Functionality

By: Lauren Walker

Working with older adults for 20+ years has allowed me insight to the aging process. I'll be turning forty this year and most of my clients are 30+ years older than I. I see common threads amongst the aging population and as they age, little things become big challenges. My purpose, as a personal trainer, is to help them maintain functionality in their daily lives. Let's look at the common issues I help my clients with.

Its All in the Hips

One of the biggest issues I run into is a lack of hip strength and mobility. Strength requires the ability to weight bear in a standing position. Mobility means, the joint is able to move properly and allow a full range of motion. A BIG problem is the ability to get up and down off the the floor. I have clients who struggle putting their socks on. If a person is sedentary in their daily life, their hip strength diminishes. Not only that, their range of motion is hindered because the joint isn't being used. A lack of strength means injury rate is higher.

Keeping it in Balance

A fear of falling is a very common problem. This usually stems from a prior injury and the person compensates, in order to prevent falling again. Balance is all about core strength and your ability to brace in unsteady situations.

Too Much Sitting

Sitting too much causes your hips to atrophy (lose muscle mass) and therefore a lack of strength is inevitable. You'll also lose mobility, so even trying to tie your shoes will be a challenge.

What is the solution?

I have a client who is 92 and our focus is to keeping her hips strong! Weight bearing exercise is a MUST, in order to continue walking and managing stairs. If you're managing mobility issues, then a specific exercise program is in order. Exercises is like medicine, it must be prescribed properly.

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