Active Aging and Spinal Health: Secrets to Maintaining Youthful Vitality
How can you 'age' while maintaining an active lifestyle and a healthy spine? This is a question many of us ponder as we observe the vast differences in aging among individuals.
The Contrast Between Young and Elderly, Healthy and Unhealthy
When picturing a young person versus an elderly individual, or a healthy versus an unhealthy person, our perceptions often vary. We've all seen seniors in their 60s or 70s outperforming people in their 20s in terms of health and vitality. So, what makes some people 'age better' than others?
Chiropractic Insights into Active Aging
This blog explores the foundations of active aging, focusing on chiropractic care and spinal health. For instance, consider the risks associated with falls in the elderly. One fourth of seniors who fall and fracture their hips die within six months (Fuller, 2000), and over 50% require assistance post-injury.
Nutrition's Impact on Aging
Nutrition plays a crucial role in aging. Poor dietary choices from a young age can compromise your body's health for decades. In contrast, maintaining a nutrient-rich diet can significantly enhance your bone density and overall health.
Spinal Health and Chiropractic Care
Besides nutrition, spinal health is vital. Neck and back pain, often resulting from daily stresses or conditions like disc herniation and scoliosis, affect almost everyone. Chiropractic care, focusing on spinal health and body function, has been shown to reduce elderly falls, decrease neck and back pain, and improve overall quality of life (Bolton, 1998; Dougherty, 2012; Holt, 2011; Holt, 2012; Meade, 1990; Niazi, 2015; Yates, 1988).
Conclusion: A Lifelong Commitment to Health
The key to active aging is a lifelong commitment to health, encompassing nutrition, exercise, and regular chiropractic care. Start nurturing your health from a young age to enjoy a vibrant, active life well into your senior years.
References:
Al-Aama, T. (2011). Falls in the elderly: spectrum and prevention. CanadianFamily Physician, 57(7), 771-776.
Bolton, J. E., & Wilkinson, R. C. (1998). Responsiveness of pain scales: a comparison of three pain intensity measures in chiropractic patients.Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 21(1),1-7
Dougherty, P. E., Hawk, C., Weiner, D. K., Gleberzon, B., Andrew, K.,& Killinger, L. (2012). The role of chiropractic care in older adults. Chiropractic& manual therapies, 20(1), 3.
Fuller, G. F. (2000). Falls in the elderly. American family physician,61(7), 2159.
Holt, K. R., Noone, P. L., Short, K., Elley, C. R., & Haavik, H.(2011). Fall risk profile and quality-of-life status of older chiropractic patients. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics, 34(2),78-87.
Meade,T. W., Dyer, S., Browne, W., Townsend, J., & Frank, A. O. (1990). Low back pain of mechanical origin: randomised comparison of chiropractic and hospital outpatient treatment. Bmj, 300(6737), 1431-1437.
Niazi,I. K., Türker, K. S., Flavel, S., Kinget, M., Duehr, J., & Haavik, H.(2015). Changes in H-reflex and V-waves following spinal manipulation. Experimental brain research, 233(4), 1165-1173.
Tucker, K. L. (2009). Osteoporosis prevention and nutrition. CurrentOsteoporosis Reports, 7(4), 111.
Yates, R. G., Lamping, D. L., Abram, N. L., & Wright, C. (1988).Effects of chiropractic treatment on blood pressure and anxiety: a randomized, controlled trial. Journal of manipulative and physiological therapeutics,11(6), 484-488.
