Like it or not, we all become a little more susceptible to injury as we get older.
No, today isn’t going to tell you about the increased risk of falls and other stereotypical injuries. Hopefully, most people understand that you have to be a little more careful about this.
Instead, it’s all about some of the hidden ways in which you can get injured as you age. As you’ll soon find out, listening to your body during these advancing years is key if you are to avoid injury and live a healthier life.
You don’t take sports injuries seriously
In truth, you might not have been taking these injuries seriously for years. The difference is that now, with a body that’s slightly older, the effects are more profound.
As this resource shows you, there are countless types of sports injuries – many of which you may not even realize:
- Sprains
- Strains
- Fractures
- Swollen muscles
- Dislocation
…And many more. Make sure you are fully aware of what these injuries mean for your body. Realizing and accepting that you are injured, and not able to perform physical activity for a short period, is one of the easiest ways in preventing something more long-term such as arthritis. You can’t “run it off” like you used to – your body now needs time.
You are more likely to get injured at work
This next point follows a similar path to the above. Just as it can sometimes be difficult to accept that you are injured whilst playing sport, it can also be difficult to accept when you are on the job.
Of course, this is largely going to depend on the nature of your role. Manual jobs generally prompt the most risks, whether it’s through lifting or even something like RSI.
Regardless, make sure you take it seriously. If there is any type of rehabilitation offered to you, take it with both hands. At the same time, always look at ways you can get compensated for your misfortune. You never know how much an injury might hinder your long-term ability to work, so this is always crucial to take into account.
You train like they used to do
This is another common point, with a lot of older people trying to train “just like they used to”. Granted, it can work for some, but on the most part their bodies just aren’t going to let them.
Easing into exercise is one of the most important tips you can take advantage of. Sure, you can push your body from time to time, but make sure you understand your limits.
You don’t think about “everyday exercises”
Exercise isn’t just about hitting the gym or going for a run. It’s something that incorporates all forms of life.
As we get older, we start to take on new responsibilities. For example, grandchildren might enter the picture. Now, twenty or thirty years ago it may have been normal to playfully swing your own children around and lift them up without a care in the world. Now, you need one eye on your health. We’re not saying that you should completely stop this but listen to your body and if you feel a twinge or anything else that could be cause for worry – don’t ignore it.
