Key to Senior Fitness: Chiropractic Care, Healthy Lifestyle

Over the hill at age 65? Ready for the rocker at 70? Not these days. Americans are living longer and making more of their later years. One key is exercise.

"Perhaps the most debilitating influence in people's health as they age is a sedentary life," said Dr. Jerome McAndrews, national spokesperson for the American Chiropractic Association (ACA). "Exercise of some type is all but mandatory."

Otherwise, an individual may set him or herself up for broken bones, circulation problems caused by atrophying blood vessels, and a myriad of other physical problems associated with aging.

"Exercise, however, can improve a person's mobility, digestive processes and circulation. It can also reduce anxiety. Add proper nutrition and you have the makings of a naturally healthy lifestyle," said Dr. McAndrews. "Following a healthy diet is another way of extending your golden years as long as possible."

Here are some general guidelines to help seniors maintain a healthy lifestyle:

Walking

  • Walking improves elasticity in blood vessels, which makes them less susceptible to formation of aneurysms or rupture.
  • Start with one-third of a mile per day - one-sixth out and one-sixth back. (Measure the distance with your car.) Do that three days a week for a month, then double the distance, working gradually up to at least one mile a day, three days a week.
  • Expect a little soreness in the thighs and calves for the first week or two. If you experience more than soreness, check with your chiropractor.

Stretching

  • The average person should stretch to prevent the bowing or stoop caused by shortening of ligaments. A stoop can inhibit normal breathing.
  • Stretch the groin muscles by sitting on the floor and bending one leg to the side and back as far as possible. Or sit Indian fashion on a cushion and watch television. A relaxed stretch is the goal.
  • Stretch the back leg muscles by putting your hands on a wall, one foot flat on the floor behind you. Then lean into the wall. Or stand up straight and bend over. Or sit with one foot on an ottoman and bend forward.

Eating Right

  • Make sure you have a properly balanced diet. If you take vitamins, take them with a meal. Drink 10 eight-ounce glasses of water a day to help keep the kidneys active, dilute and remove toxins from the body, and replace lost fluids. (Coffee, tea, soft drinks and alcohol are diuretics. Don't substitute them for water.)

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  • "I had extensive foot reconstruction following an accident and was told I would never be able to run again. Dr. Crandell never gave up on me and five years later, I returned to competition and won the National Masters 100 meter hurdles gold medal in the fastest time run in the world that year (16.3) for my age group (65-69). I should give Dr. Crandell the gold medal (but I won't). Thanks to Felton Family Wellness, I can walk 18 holes at Pasatiempo and work out every day."
    John Martel
  • "Dr. Norm began treating me for severe, intermittent wrist pain that was interfering with my enjoyment of daily activities. I had been experiencing this wrist pain for several months before getting treatment from Dr. Norm. Prior to seeing Dr. Norm I had been taking aspirin, using topical analgesics, and restricting my activities so that I would not be in as much pain. After a few chiropractic treatments with Dr. Norm I am now happy to say that I have total freedom from my pain!"
    Audrey Dawson