Retirement can bring time for leisure, travel opportunities and interests to the older person. This is the chance to take up those sports and activities that you never had time for whilst working and bringing up your family, e.g. golf, gardening, badminton, fitness classes etc.
The body, however, has changed. It has lost some of its elasticity and ability to adapt. It has also experienced injuries and postural stress during earlier years, often resulting in repetitive strain injuries, stiffness and degenerative changes.
The onset of health issues such as high blood pressure, digestive and circulatory disorders and arthritis have all begun to have a noticeable effect on the body’s energy and ability to perform.
Many grandparents also help working parents by caring for their grandchildren – a pleasure for many but also a strain on the older body.
Quality of life is especially important for this age group when there are increasing concerns about loss of independence and mobility.
We all have a degree of 'wear and tear'. Osteo-arthritis is a continuation of this process. Although it is inevitable that we grow old, We do not necessarily have to endure ongoing pain and stiffness. A fair proportion of my patients have wear and tear, or arthritis but with regular treatment are able to live life a little easier.
Terry Rulten Brentwood Osteopath