Aging, Safety, and Physical Therapy
With aging, things change. And spoiler alert – not all of the changes are good!
Cars rust, food gets moldy, and people… well, let’s just say we don’t all turn in Olympic athletes.
A lot of things affect our bodies as we age but in general, we tend to lose muscle, gain fat, and slow down. If I told you that I could outrun a high school sprinter, I’d be lying. If I told you that I could outrun my 5-year-old granddaughter, I’d also be lying. She’s a quick little bugger! Or maybe, just maybe, I’m slowing down.
Alright, I’ll admit it. I’m slower than I’ve ever been and my balance isn’t as good either. Dig a hole and throw me in? Not yet! I’ve still got some fight left in me and thank goodness that I’ve still got my hair (some of it).
I’ve gone through some things over the last few years that have led me to receive physical therapy. Last year alone I had back and knee surgery. Physical therapy helped me to improve my strength, mobility, flexibility, balance, and decrease my risk of falling. This is what physical therapy is all about. Physical therapists are experts in the human body and its mechanical functioning. Physical therapists understand how people move, what people need to be able to do, and they know how to help you regain lost strength and mobility. I still can’t outrun a 5-year-old, but I can catch the 2-year-old when she makes a break for the candy jar!
Michael J. Gorman, OTR/L
Executive Vice President
GeroPsych & Key Rehabilitation, Inc.
