Why do we move into retirement homes as we get older?

It’s right there in the title: It comes down to the loss of physical independence.

As we age, basic movement becomes much more difficult.

We retire, our activity levels drop, we remember a conversation we had with our Doctor 20 years ago when they said “take it easy when you retire’, and so we find fewer reasons to get up and out of the house.

We sit for long periods, our muscles along with our confidence, and our physical independence atrophy or shrink away.

That’s why it’s so important need to stay active as we age.

We need to find or stick to an exercise routine to preserve our physical independence for as long as possible—not just for our own sakes, but also so our children won’t have to take care of us (or pay someone else to).

Our exercise needs as we age vary by degree, not kind:

– What is standing up from the toilet? An air squat.

​​- What happens when someone falls and gets back up? Tall kneeling to standing.

​​- How does the shopping get from the car to the house? With a farmer’s carry.

Ageing adults may not be looking to break gym records, but there’s no lack of movements they can do—and a good coach will know how to guide them.

Intensity is relative for every client in the gym, while range of motion and movement goals stay the same.

Strength training is also critical for aging adults because it helps prevent and reverse osteoporosis (brittle bones).

Even minor slips and falls often result in broken bones in aging men and women with low bone density.

Lifting heavy objects increases that bone density and reduces risk of injury.

Not every gym environment is set up to cater for this.

That’s why at Ignite we run specially designed classes to cater specifically for the older client and their needs.

These come in the form of both 1-1 personal training and 1-7 small group strength and conditioning classes.

I am not an elite athlete.

I am not going to win any competitions.

I am not going to break any records.

I’m a normal guy trying to stay fit and active so I can play social rugby, walk my dog and maintain my physical independence for years to come.

Whatever your goals for the next 30-50 years, I want to help you do the same.

Cheers!

Paul 

P.S. Our next senior specific 60+ programme starts Monday 29th August. Stay tuned for more details. If you can’t wait, hit this link to schedule a time with me to discuss your health and fitness goals