As we age, the wear and tear on our bodies definitely brings on some discomfort. So, is it normal to have aches and pains at 60? We’d say, yes.
In our 60s and 70s, many of us can anticipate something hurting, whether it’s our back, our joints, our feet or even nerve pain. But there are ways for us to better manage our body’s changes and reduce the pain levels produced by certain elderly conditions.
When it comes to senior health and fitness, there is much to keep in mind. Here, we’ll help you identify some of the most common pains in elderly patients, how to heal these pains and how FirstLight Home Care experts can help your loved one as they navigate their changing bodies.
Common Pains
Those caring for aging parents may have trouble identifying whether or not their loved one’s aches and pains are cause for concern. Are they normal signs of aging or something more serious?
There are a few common pains that are likely to appear in our 60s or 70s. Osteoarthritis is one change of the most common ailments that people aged 60 and older experience. This is the wear-and-tear type of arthritis that comes from using your joints over and over again. More than 27 million Americans 65 and older have it—that’s more than 30% of the popular. It’s also the most common kind of arthritis, out of more than 100 distinct types.
Another chronic pain issue that older adults face is lower back or neck pain. This can be caused by a number of things, from poor posture or repetitive movement to degeneration, vitamin D deficiency and even simply aging. poor posture or repetitive movement to degeneration, vitamin D deficiency and even simply aging.
Keep Moving
Is it normal to have aches and pains at 60? We’ve determined that it is, but that doesn’t mean you have to accept it and battle through. There are a number of things you can do to combat these aches.
To reduce pain and feel better overall, you need to make sure you keep moving and maintain a healthy weight. An active lifestyle paired with proper nutrition can help immensely. Be sure to pick activities that are easy on your joints, like swimming, walking or yoga. While it may be surprising, when you are in your 60s and 70s, a stationary lifestyle is riskier than the change of physical injury.
Here are some things that can help you on your journey:
- Choose an exercise program that includes weight training to strengthen muscles and bones plus aerobic activities to improve heart health.
- Rehabilitation and recovery care is incredibly important. Slow, gentle stretching can improve flexibility and help with stiffness. Strength exercises lessen pain by easing the burden that is put on the joints.
- Try to stick to a healthy weight. It will keep extra stress off your joints so you’ll feel better and be able to move more easily. If you’re not sure what weight is best for you, ask your doctor.
- Over-the-counter medication may needed to reduce pain and inflammation. Check with your doctor first if you take other medicines or struggle with additional health problems. Your doctor may also be able to prescribe something stronger to help if you are in a great deal of pain.
Growing old doesn’t have to be painful. Simple exercises or activities can help you keep your body moving, which will generally help you feel better overall.
In addition to incorporating new exercises in your routine, maintaining a healthy diet can prove beneficial. Try to eat a range of healthy foods: lean meats and fish for protein, reduced fat dairy products like cheese or yogurt, whole-grain items with lots of fiber, a colorful rainbow of vegetables and, for dessert, fruit for a sweet treat.
Don’t forget — promoting healthy aging is important, but it’s always a good idea to check with your primary care physician before starting any exercise programs, changing your diet or taking new medications.
Get Some Extra Help
While you can rely on doctor’s visits and well-intentioned blogs to determine where your loved one’s aches and pains are stemming from, hiring a caregiver may give you added peace of mind. FirstLight Home Care professionals have experience dealing with aging individuals and may be able to offer additional insight. Reach out today to inquire about a personalized quote or call 844-879-7300 to talk with your local FirstLight team.