Age is a dangerous word. We do all, of course, have a chronological age from the moment we are born. Most of us do our best to avoid acknowledging its gradual progression, although it is clearly entirely undeniable.
There are many different ways to view age. Some people see each decade as a milestone event that brings with it unavoidable and permanent changes. Others see it as only a number, barely worthy of their attention, that is more important to other people than to them personally. Most of us ‘lie’ somewhere in between.
At The Moballise Physiotherapy Clinic, we believe it is definitely true that you can manage your age. Once you escape from the chronological expectations of the ageing process. Take posture, for example. Your posture can tell people a lot about your age. The way you sit, stand and relax is an informative part of observation when using body language to gauge age and potential communication approaches.
Our favourite postures rarely change. Or do they? After all, what is the difference in posture between children and adults? Primarily it is a question of immobility. Adults embrace it whilst children abhor it! As children, we all enjoyed the fluidity of posture and changed position almost permanently.
As we reached adulthood, though, we learned to call it fidgeting and became gradually more immobile.
Whether it be sleeping, driving, sitting at work or sitting on the sofa. We are static and immobile for a surprising proportion of our lives.
This immobility can lead to serious long term physical changes. They may be medical, fitness-related changes or they may be more physical movement-related changes. Both can be considered as age-related and both can DEFINITELY be avoided by embracing movement and the ongoing compensation for that movement.
Your body is designed to move. The more static your postures are, the more your body will begin to complain. Maintain your mobility by adopting more dynamic postures and incorporating compensation for the muscular activity involved in that movement.
