WHY DO SOME ELDERLY PEOPLE LOOK STIFF?

MANY ELDERLY PEOPLE LOOK STIFF AND TIGHT. WHY IS THAT?

When you see an elderly person with a walker or cane, or they are hunched over really far while walking down the street, they look slow and stiff and immobile, maybe even in pain. It can be easy to attribute this only to old age, but there are actually a few different reasons why some elderly people end up looking this way. One reason is that they probably don't move around as much as they used to. They may not exercise as often, and they may spend more time sitting down. This lack of movement can lead to weak muscles and decreased flexibility. Another reason is that some elderly people have lived a relatively unhealthy lifestyle. They may smoke, drink too much alcohol, or eat an unhealthy diet. These habits can also contribute to a loss of muscle mass and flexibility. Ultimately, the reasons why some elderly people look so stiff vary, but it's often due to a combination of factors.

As we age, our bodies start to show the signs of a lifetime of wear and tear. For some elderly people, this can manifest into a stiffness of the joints, particularly in the morning. This is because our bodies produce less fluid as we age, which leads to a decrease in flexibility. In addition, elderly people are often less active than younger adults, leading to a weakening of the muscles and joints. Furthermore, sitting for long periods of time can cause the joints to become fixed in one position. An unhealthy lifestyle can also contribute to stiffness, as it leads to a build-up of toxins in the body. While stiff muscles and joints can be a pain, there are plenty of ways to stay active and prevent stiffness from setting in. Regular exercise, movement, stretching, and massages can all help keep the body flexible and reduce stiffness.

There is, however, another reason elderly people may look stiff and immobile. For many, it’s because they may not have lived a life of movement and physical activity. They didn’t get massages or bodywork enough. They probably didn’t stretch enough. They didn’t use foam rollers and other self-massage tools to keep muscles pliable and elastic. They didn’t do the things to loosen tight muscles and tendons. If they never really took the time to take care of their body with an active lifestyle, chances are they probably didn’t make exercise an integral part of their life. They might have taken their body for granted.

THE HUMAN BODY REQUIRES MOVEMENT.

When you don't use your muscles, they atrophy and become tight. The same thing happens with your joints. When you don't move them, they get stiff and lose range of motion. To stay loose and keep your body pliable and flexible throughout an entire lifetime, you need to do things that keep the muscles and joints moving! You need to do the things that keep your muscles, tendons, and joints pliable, moveable, and elastic.

SO WHAT DO I DO?

In a nutshell, get massages somewhat regularly throughout your entire lifetime. See your chiropractor regularly (at least 6-10 times per year to ensure your joints are moving through their full range of motion and resolve muscle imbalances. Stretch when you feel tight. Use foam rollers and massage balls to loosen tight and aching muscles. Get regular exercise. Your body will thank you for it!