Older athletes may be more susceptible to injury
Geisinger experts offer safe ways to remain active as we age
Sept. 2, 2009, DANVILLE – Sports injuries in older adults are becoming increasingly common as baby boomers strive to stay more active than previous generations.
“While all adults require moderate-intensity aerobic exercise to stay healthy, the aging process affects the amount of exercise a body can tolerate,” said W. Fred Hess, M.D., FAAOS, Geisinger orthopedic spine surgeon. “As age increases, so does the risk of injury. But, this fact should not, in any way, deter older athletes from staying active. The benefits far outweigh the possibility of injury.”
According to the National Institute of Aging, scientific studies show that staying physically active and exercising regularly can help prevent or delay many diseases and disabilities. Scientists also have found that even moderate exercise and physical activity can improve the health of people who are frail or who have diseases that accompany aging.
According to Dr. Hess, older athletes often experience back problems. Swimming motions, such as the breaststroke, can irritate the aging back by arching the spine, as well as running uphill.
“Older athletes should perform warm-up and flexibility exercises to help prevent injury. And, these exercises should be executed with a steady and smooth motion,” said Dr. Hess.
And for those older athletes who have had hip repair or replacement, Jason Jarinko, ATC, CSCS, program director of Geisinger’s Athletic Training program, offers the following advice:
“Many older adults believe they have been sidelined permanently if they have had hip repair or replacement. But many patients after joint replacement are pleasantly surprised when they have returned to activity levels well beyond what they were able to perform prior to surgery. Regular exercise can reduce joint pain and stiffness, and increase muscle strength and joint range of motion,” advises Jarinko.
About Geisinger Health System
Founded in 1915, Geisinger Health System (Danville, PA) is one of the nation’s largest integrated health services organizations. Serving more than two million residents throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, the physician-led organization is at the forefront of the country's rapidly emerging electronic health records movement. Geisinger is comprised of two medical center campuses, a 740-member group practice, a not-for-profit health insurance company and the Henry Hood Center for Health Research—dedicated to creating innovative new models for patient care, satisfaction and clinical outcomes. For more information, visit www.geisinger.org.
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