Elderly Stretches

[PHender40]

My name is Phil Henderson.
Me and my wife, Pat, are both retired and well into our sixties.
Most of our time is spent lounging around the house,
watching TV or using the computer.

Lately, we've both been developing back aches.

My daughter told us we should consider, if we're not able to get around, stretching routinely. But given our age, this has been a rather difficult endeavor.

Are there any suggestions of inventive ways to stretch (Mostly around the abdomen and waist) in our old age?

 

[matt182]

Stetching is good, but probably more important in your case is strengthening you abdominal core muscles and your delicate back muscles. This may help reduce or eliminate your pain, would probably be worthwhile seeing a decent health proffesional to set you in the right path.

There's probably other things you could improve to, as well as maintaining your technique in a varietyof functional tasks.

 

[Dallen]

Stretching is painful only because you're not used to it. Age might be a factor, but for any age, stretching can be a painful experience.

Some tips:

Use towels to aid stretching but be careful not to stretch too much as it can cause injury
Do a light walk around the block after dinner (light meaning a casual walk for about 20-30 minutes)
If you don't like to walk, try to do something during the day where you walk around. For example, go to the mall (you get to shop and walk)
Don't do anything extreme or bizarre - use common sense: if you don't think you can do it, don't do it
Go to the local pool - YMCA and Community Rec centers offer senior exercise classes in pools. It involves stretching in water (which is far, far better than doing it else where) and you'll have a blast
If you are Military retired, go to the base gym. I know the gym at Little Creek offers exercises for older folks.

 

[NoLoveLost]

My name is Phil Henderson.
Me and my wife, Pat, are both retired and well into our sixties.
Most of our time is spent lounging around the house,
watching TV or using the computer.

Lately, we've both been developing back aches.

My daughter told us we should consider, if we're not able to get around, stretching routinely. But given our age, this has been a rather difficult endeavor.

Are there any suggestions of inventive ways to stretch (Mostly around the abdomen and waist) in our old age?

My mother is well into her 80's and takes a Yoga class. Tai Chi is another one that I have seen elderly folks do in SF. Maybe somewhere near you, you can find a class where an instructor can help you do the exercises properly without over doing it.