As we journey through life, our bodies undergo a series of transformations that are intricately linked to the natural ageing process. These changes are a combination of genetic predispositions, environmental factors, lifestyle choices, and the impact of stress.
How we age is a complex interplay between these elements, and understanding this dynamic can shed light on the importance of proactive measures such as physiotherapy in managing these changes.
Ageing brings about a myriad of structural changes in the human body. One of the most visible signs is the loss of muscle mass and bone density, leading to decreased strength and flexibility.
Joints may become stiffer and the cartilage that cushions them may wear down, resulting in conditions like osteoarthritis.
The modern lifestyle that many individuals lead today can also have a significant impact on how we age. Chronic stress, poor dietary choices, sedentary behaviours, exposure to environmental toxins and inadequate sleep, play a role in accelerating the ageing process.
High levels of stress, in particular, can lead to inflammation in the body, which is linked to a host of age-related conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders.
These lifestyle factors can also exacerbate existing conditions such as musculoskeletal problems and joint pain, further impacting an individual’s quality of life as they age.
Independent Media Lifestyle recently had a chat with Sue Ramauthar, the creator of SuedeWellness and the Life Resilience Institute. Sue is a well-known speaker and physiotherapist with more than 14 years of experience in corporate wellness.
She has successfully introduced wellness programs that have greatly improved many people’s lives in different companies. These programs help individuals understand how to care for their bodies as they grow and develop.
Ramathaur explained how working in a corporate environment can be harmful to our health. She mentioned that sitting all day without much movement can impact our bodies in the long run.
Using her experiences with patients, Ramathaur introduced innovative programs that help companies improve the well-being of their employees. This included offering informative sessions, desk exercises, and promoting awareness of the mind-body connection.
She went on to highlight how prolonged sitting can affect our biomechanics, leading to issues like rounded shoulders and back hunches.
Ramathaur compared it to how our body can get stuck in a certain position after falling asleep in an awkward pose.
“We need to pay attention to our daily habits to prevent long-term physical effects,” she said. “My approach is to help individuals understand that their body responds to how they treat it daily.”
The focus on wellness in South Africa has been growing in popularity in recent years, with Covid-19 speeding up this trend. According to her, people have been forced to work from home more and this has made them more aware of their health but also very sedentary.
“When we experience pain, it is a signal that something is wrong and we need to address it. Taking care of our health is our responsibility - not that of doctors, the government, or our workplaces.
“It is up to us to check in with ourselves daily and stay consistent in our efforts,” Ramathaur said.
According to Ramathaur, anxiety and stress can lead to physical issues like back pain, especially for those working in high-pressure environments.
When facing personal challenges like a divorce or loss, these emotions can manifest in spinal and lower back problems. This shows how interconnected our bodies are to the earth and what we consume.
She noted that physiotherapy is often seen as a treatment for pain or post-surgery recovery, but it has evolved to focus on understanding the body’s mechanics in everyday activities.
“Your body benefits through constant communication with your physio. Often we think physio is a bit of a luxury, it’s an indulgence, but I think as you get older it becomes a necessity.
“It becomes something that has to be an integral part of your life for you to be able to get stronger and build and get into your older years.”
“Movement is the one feature that makes us human. The second is being consistent in a good check-in routine with yourself. Constantly kind of check into yourself, see how your body is feeling and address problems as they happen.“
Ramathaur explained that nerve pain is often a result of irritated muscles that do not necessarily affect the nerves directly. This can cause symptoms like numbness, tingling, or sharp shooting pain.
She compared nerves to freeways in the body, where messages travel. When there is a blockage, like a traffic jam, the signals can become distorted, leading to discomfort.
As people age, their bodies may become less forgiving, especially in their 40s and 50s. If pain persists for two to three days without improvement, it’s important to seek help from a professional.
Early intervention is key to faster recovery. Ramathaur emphasised the importance of being proactive about one’s health and seeking understanding from healthcare providers.
To prevent nerve pain, Ramathaur advised making movement a priority and avoiding long periods of sitting. Staying hydrated and not obsessing over convenience can also help maintain overall physical health.
She suggested setting reminders to move regularly, keeping water nearby, and avoiding unnecessary conveniences like searching for close parking spots at the gym.