The famous generation born between the mid 40's and 60's are trying to prove a point when it comes to health and fitness, ignoring limitations imposed by their age. Many refuse to see their age as a barrier, playing sports and training as though they were still in their twenties. Though their spirit is admirable, this stubborn attitude is only managing to get them into injury trouble with a unique condition known as ‘Boomeritis'.
[b]Boomeritis, really?[/b]
Yup, it's a real term, coined by Dr. Nicholas A DiNubile, an orthopedic surgeon at the hospital of the University of Pennsylvania, in 1999. Boomeritis refers to the injuries suffered by older amateur athletes, most notably those that were part of the baby boom following the end of World War II in 1945.
When the boomers began to turn 40 and 50 there was an eruption of bone and joint aches, pains, injuries, ailments…boomeritis.
Even though every generation has its share of sport injuries the boomers are in a class of their own with their ability to accept injury related downtime.
[b]No Pain, No Gain[/b]
This age old mantra really needs to be paired with other sayings like "everything in moderation" or "take it with a grain of salt". Pain is not good, it signals injury, something many folks especially the boomers, fail to understand.
[b]The Fountain of Youth[/b]
Add to the problem the quest for eternal or extended youth and all the commercial noise that is out there on this subject. Fitness like weightlifting is seen as important in maintaining a desirable healthy and youthful appearance. The fact is that fitness activities actually bring on age related changes in joints and tendons.
[b]Just Accept it[/b]
It is wise to keep these unavoidable biological changes in mind when developing a workout routine. Older generations need to understand that as we age there is a loss of flexibility, and a decrease in reaction and recovery times. As we age the elasticity of our muscles, tendons and ligaments and the lubrication of joints decrease.
All these things need to be taken into account, as well as seeking qualified advice on proper nutrition and supplementation. With modifications to the boomer's training and sports habits the incidence of boomertis related injuries could be dramatically reduced and the athletes can look forward to many more years of productive fitness and sports activity.
Boomeritis
