Assisted Stretching for Longevity
As we age, our body's orchestra starts playing a slower tune, and the risk of chronic conditions like heart disease and arthritis increases. While genetics have a say, much of our longevity and healthspan (the number of years we live in good health) lie within our control. The key is to start building a solid foundation for longevity from your late 30’s onwards.
The pillars of longevity
While diet and exercise are key players, a holistic approach to longevity considers various factors:
Nutrition: Prioritise whole, unprocessed foods, fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
Sleep and rest: We all know 7-8 hours of quality sleep each night is the aim. Establish a consistent sleep schedule and create a calming bedtime routine to lull your mind and body.
Social connections: Social interaction is vital for mental and physical well-being. Be intentional with relationships, prioritising in-person conversations and connections over digital ones.
Preventive care: Schedule regular checkups with your doctor and stay up-to-date on screenings tailored to your age and health risks.
Above all, work on your mobility: This one's crucial. As we age, maintaining mobility is vital for independence, preventing falls, and staying active. The goal is to live a life free from restrictions and regular mobility exercise such as an assisted stretching session or simple at-home training where you aim to get up from the floor without using your hands, will benefit you both now and in years to come.
“If you only do one thing, work on your mobility. As we age, maintaining mobility is vital for independence, preventing falls, and staying active. ”
Assisted Stretching for Longevity
Assisted stretching, where a trained Stretch Therapist guides you through stretches beyond your individual range of motion, offers a unique advantage in the longevity toolkit.
Look after your joints: Stretching helps lubricate your joints, improving their range of motion and reducing pain and stiffness. This can help prevent or delay the onset of arthritis and other joint-related issues.
Mobility and muscles: The PNF method of assisted stretching, if practiced with a Stretch Therapist at least twice a week will build muscle tone through engaging both your muscles and your nervous system.
Perfect posture: Poor posture can contribute to pain and muscle imbalances. Assisted stretching can help correct these imbalances and improve your overall alignment, leading to better balance and stability.
Improve circulation: Stretching improves blood flow throughout the body, delivering oxygen and nutrients to your cells to improve joint health, helping you move more freely.
Stress reduction: The physical act of stretching combined with the calming environment where your Stretch Therapist does all the work for you, can help reduce stress and anxiety, both of which are detrimental to longevity.
Living a long life is a gift, but it's a gift we can actively shape. By taking proactive steps from your late 30’s onwards, you can build your own foundation for longevity. Remember, longevity isn't just about living longer, it's about living better.
Assisted stretching - helping you stay young, even as you age.
