October brings cool weather in the east and the first thoughts of winter but it is also National Physical Therapy Month. This is a time where the national chapter, APTA (American Physical Therapy Association) earmarks one campaign to highlight. This year the focus is on “healthy aging and the many ways that physical therapists, as movement experts, can help individuals overcome pain, gain and maintain movement, and preserve their independence.” #AgeWell

In honor of PT month and their campaign, we decided to add a few of our tips to help you age well and live life your way. Please feel free to add tips about aging well to the comment section….and let’s stay healthy.

  • A Harvard Study found that those that manage stress better whether through exercise or mediation lived longer and had a better quality of life. So it is not the amount of stress you have in your life but it is how one deals with stress that helps us age.
  • Studies have also found that people who have stronger social connections with a spouse or a friend live happier and healthier lives. Loved ones might motivate them to take walks or a spouse might remind them to take their medications or encourage a healthier lifestyle. Pets also can be an integral part of socialization although they should not fully replace human contact.
  • The APTA website notes that,” Low back pain is often over-treated with surgery and drugs despite a wealth of scientific evidence demonstrating that physical therapy can be an effective alternative—and with much less risk than surgery and long-term use of prescription medications.”
  • We keep our bodies healthy but what about our minds? Individuals who are always learning something new, and staying curious about the world around them have been found to live longer as well as lowering their chance of Alzheimer’s which increases to 40% in people over 85.
  • Bone loss, known as osteoporosis, causes bones to become weak and brittle, increasing the risk of fracture.  A significant fracture of the hip or pelvis can require invasive surgery.  Although osteoporosis is not curable, it is treatable with medication that can help slow the disease and, if combined with strength training and exercises with weight bearing exercises such as walking, jogging, weight lifting, stair climbing, and skipping rope, bone loss can be mitigated substantially.  Don’t forget your calcium and vitamin D supplements!
  • Diabetes affects one in four Americans over the age of 60. Obesity and inactivity are the two leading risk factors. With regular cardiovascular activity and strength training, diabetes can be managed and even reversed in some cases.

Happy PT month!!!