Prayers for peace, comfort and "good grief" for the Smart family.
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"Pushing 65." I remember 65 with fondness....Excellent point. Many women are at risk for post menopausal osteoporosis, leading to compression fractures of the spine and a higher risk of non vertebral fractures, particularly at the hip and wrist. Most osteoporosis in men is related to long term steroid use or other long term therapeutic treatment for chronic conditions or cancers.
As we age (I’m pushing 65) the best thing we can do is exercise. Resistance training with weights has shown to stimulate bone cell remodeling (replacement) and lower fracture risk. Additionally, working on posture, balance and flexibility is greatly beneficial.
I workout 3-4 times a week. About 30-45 minutes on the treadmill, followed by light weight training. Not “crushing†it. Just enough for exertion.
I got my dad a book called “barbell medicine†a few years ago. He loved it but unfortunately hasn’t followed through at all. I plan to keep pushing it though.I'm 74 and have had 3 falls in the last 5 months. One was down our steps into the attached garage -- and under my wife's car!!!. I had a baby mattress in my arms and somehow turned and rolled over on it. One was caused by my wife dropping her purse with long strap under my feet as we exited the Disney Wish (cruise ship). The 3rd came several months ago as I tripped over a stake on the golf course.
I came away from all with nothing more than light bruises -- mainly due to my weight lifting that I started last January 1. I have neuropathy in my feet due to medication for multiple myeloma. I have instability as a result-- and have to be cautious. Lifting weights has strengthened my entire body and enabled me to do normal physical activities much easier and without fear of falling. I even walked 18 holes (5 ½ miles) the other day.
My point is one I received from Dr. Peter Attia (Outlive) -- falling is the greatest danger to seniors as they age. All seniors need to be working out and lifting weights so as to be strong enough to roll and survive the fall, as well as to get up off the floor. I am very cautious on stairs and always have one hand on the rail when going up or down. My oldest son's father in law fell backwards on the stairs, hit his head on the stone floor and died the next day. I had any number of seniors who fell and that began their downhill slide physically speaking.
Prayers for Kirby and family -- that is a tough situation to be sure.